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Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States for both men and women combined.

Each year more than 145,000 people are diagnosed with colorectal cancer, often referred to as colon cancer, in the U.S. and almost 50,000 people die from it annually. The disease, however, is largely preventable with regular screening and is treatable with early detection, a healthy diet and regular exercise.

To lower your risk of colorectal cancer, the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons recommends that you:

  • Get regular colorectal cancer screenings after age 50
  • Eat a low-fat, high-fiber diet
  • If you use alcohol, drink only in moderation
  • If you use tobacco, quit. If you don't use tobacco, don't start. Alcohol and tobacco in combination are linked to colorectal cancer and other gastrointestinal cancers.
  • Exercise for at least 20 minutes three to four days each week. Moderate exercise such as walking, gardening or climbing steps may help.

Since there are very few symptoms associated with colorectal cancer, regular screening is essential. Screening is beneficial for two main reasons: colorectal cancer is extremely preventable if polyps that lead to the cancer are detected and removed, and it is very curable if the cancer is detected in its early stages.

If detected, colorectal cancer requires surgery in nearly all cases for complete cure, sometimes in conjunction with radiation and chemotherapy. Between 80-90% of patients are restored to normal health if the cancer is detected and treated in the earliest stages. However, the cure rate drops to 50% or less when diagnosed in the later stages.

The risk of developing colorectal cancer increases with age. All men and women aged 50 and older are at risk for developing colorectal cancer, and should be screened. Some people are at a higher risk and should be screened at an age younger than 50, including those with a personal or family history of inflammatory bowel disease; colorectal cancer or polyps; or ovarian, endometrial or breast cancer.

Current screening methods include fecal occult blood testing (a simple chemical test that can detect hidden blood in the stool), flexible sigmoidoscopy (a visual examination of the rectum and lower portion of the colon), double contrast barium enema (barium x-ray), colonoscopy (a visual examination of the entire colon) and digital rectal exam. Colorectal cancer screening costs are covered by Medicare and many commercial health plans. You should find out from your healthcare provider which screening procedure is right for you and how often you should be screened.

Find out more about the Cancer Risk Assessment Program at The Cancer Center at Lowell General.

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