March and its “madness” will soon be over, but it’s still not too late to remind everyone that March is also National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) state that colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. It is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in the U.S. today.
What is colorectal cancer?
Colorectal cancer is cancer of the colon or rectum. This area is often called the large intestine. The large intestine is the part of our body responsible for reabsorption of fluid and electrolytes and elimination of fecal waste.
About 160,000 people in the U.S. yearly are diagnosed with colorectal cancer. The risk of developing colorectal cancer increases with age. Approximately 90% of cases occur in people over the age of 50. Therefore, it is very important for all adults ages 50 and over to be screened for colorectal cancer. The CDC states that if everyone in this age group had colorectal cancer screening regularly, as many as 60% of deaths from this cancer could be avoided.
Some people younger than 50 years of age may also need to be screened early for colorectal cancer. This group of people may be at a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer if:
- They have a close relative who has been diagnosed with pre-cancerous polyps or colorectal cancer
- They have been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis or Crohns colitis
- They have certain genetic disorders such as Lynch Syndrome
What test is done to check for colorectal cancer?
Colonoscopy is the screening test used to check for colorectal cancer. A colonoscopy is a test performed by a doctor who will insert a flexible digital imaging tube into the rectum in order to view the entire large intestine. The doctor will be looking for precancerous polyps, or adenomas, and any other mucosal abnormalities. If polyps are found, the doctor will either biopsy them or entirely remove them, and they will be sent to a lab for analysis.
Are there ways to reduce your risk of colorectal cancer?
Yes. Maintaining a healthy weight and increasing your physical activity may decrease the risk of colorectal cancer. Professional medical experts also recommend a diet low in animal fats and high in fiber. However, the best way to reduce your risk is to be screened regularly for colorectal cancer starting at the age of 50.
For a colorectal cancer screening fact sheet visit: www.cdc.gov/Features/ColorectalAwareness
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