CityView Magazine - Fayetteville, NC
Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/31068
health COLON CANCER... YOU CAN PREVENT IT By | Dr. John Poulos MD, FACG, AGAF, FACP America’s #2 Cancer Killer - Colorectal cancer is the number two cancer killer in the US, yet it is one of the most preventable types of cancers. Colorectal cancer is often curable when detected early. It is estimated that only 40% of eligible candidates actually undergo screening for colorectal cancer. Risk Factors The lifetime risk of colorectal cancer is equal among men and women. Family history of colon polyps or colon cancer may double your risk of colon cancer. Colorectal cancer is most common after the age of 50 but can occur in earlier ages. The risk increases with age. Obesity, smoking, personal history of inflammatory conditions of the bowel, excessive alcohol intake, and diets high in red meats and refined sugars are also felt to place one at risk for colon cancer while supplemental calcium intake, the use of anti-inflammatory agents and aspirin use has been shown to decrease the risk of colon cancer. Symptoms Most early colorectal cancers produce no symptoms. This is why screening is so important. Some symptoms listed below, may indicate the presence of colorectal cancer and should prompt a visit with your doctor and a checkup. • New onset of abdominal pain or weight loss • Blood in or on the stool • Change in caliber or shape of stool • Change in bowel habits Progression from Polyp to Cancer Most colorectal cancers develop from polyps which are abnormal growths in the colon. If polyps grow undetected and are not removed they can become cancerous. Screening tests find polyps so they can be removed before they turn into cancers. The development of more than 75-90% of cancers can be avoided by the early detection and removal of precancerous polyps. Colonoscopy the Preferred Screening Strategy Colonoscopy is the preferred method of screening for colorectal cancer. The American College of Gastroenterology CityViewNC.com | 65