|
2630 Grant Line Road
New Albany, IN 47150
Phone:
812-945-0145
Fax: 812-949-5435
825 University Woods
Drive, Ste. 2
New Albany, IN 47150
Phone:
812-945-0145
Fax: 812-949-5443
|
|
Colon
Cancer Facts
From the
American Gastrological
Association
What is Colorectal Cancer?
- Almost all cases of colorectal cancer, also
referred to as colon cancer, begin with the development of benign colonic
polyps.
- Polyps form when cells lining the colon grow,
divide and reproduce in an unhealthy, disorderly way, producing a growth.
- These polyps can be cancerous, invading the colon
wall and surrounding blood vessels, and spreading to other parts of the
body.
- Colorectal cancer frequently begins without
symptoms.
What Causes Colorectal Cancer?
- The exact causes of colorectal cancer are unknown,
but the disease appears to be caused by both inherited and lifestyle
factors.
- Diets high in fat and low in fruits and vegetables
such as those that include red meat, fried foods and high-fat dairy
products may increase the risk of colorectal cancer.
- Lifestyle factors such as cigarette smoking, a
sedentary lifestyle, and obesity also may increase the risk of
developing the disease.
- Genetic factors may determine a person's
susceptibility to the disease, whereas dietary and other lifestyle factors
may determine which at-risk individuals actually go on to develop the
disease.
How Common is Colorectal Cancer?
- Colorectal cancer is the second leading cancer
killer in the United States, and the third most common cancer overall.
- This year, more than 50,000 Americans will die from
colorectal cancer and approximately 131,600 new cases will be diagnosed.
- Eighty to 90 million Americans (approximately 25
percent of the US population) are considered at risk because of age or
other factors.
- More women over the age of 75 die from colorectal
cancer than from breast cancer.
Who Is At Risk?
- Men and women aged 50 and older are at almost equal
risk of developing colorectal cancer.
- Those who have a personal or family history of
colorectal neoplasia (cancer or polyps) are at high risk of developing the
disease.
- Anyone who has a personal history of inflammatory
bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, is also at
high risk.
- Although the incidence of colorectal cancer appears
to be the same among all racial groups, survival rates seem to be lower
for African-Americans.
How Can You Prevent Colorectal Cancer?
- Know your family history.
- See your doctor for yearly screenings if you are
aged 50 or older.
- Maintain a diet low in animal fat and high in
fruits, vegetables and fiber.
- Exercise regularly.
- Prevent obesity.
- Avoid cigarette smoking.
What You Need To Know ...
- Early detection saves lives colorectal cancer is
preventable, even curable when detected early.
- If colorectal cancer is found early enough, the
patient has more than a 90 percent chance of survival.
- Colorectal cancer screenings are safe and effective
and are now covered by Medicare and an increasing number of other health
providers.
- Several screening methods can be used to detect
polyps before they become cancerous, such as fecal occult blood test,
colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy and barium x-ray. These tests also can
detect cancer in its early stages.
|
|
|
|
|