Could You or a Loved One have Risk Factors for Colorectal Cancer?

The National Cancer Institute estimates that 143,000 people will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer (cancer of the colon and rectum) in 2013. Dont' be one of the statistics. Find out if you or a loved one may be at risk.

It’s hard to know why one person gets the disease while another doesn’t.  But research studies have identified the following risk factors that may increase the chance of developing colon cancer:

Risk Factors:

•  Age over 50: More than 90 percent of people with this disease are diagnosed after age 50. But young people can and do get colorectal cancer too.
•  Colorectal polyps: Polyps are growths on the inner wall of the colon or rectum. The good news is that finding and removing polyps may reduce your risk of colorectal cancer.
•  Family history of colorectal cancer: Close relatives of a person with a history of colorectal cancer may be at higher risk of developing this disease.
•  Genetic alterations: Changes in certain genes increase the risk of colorectal cancer. Genetic testing can check for specific genetic changes.
•  Personal history of cancer: If you or a loved one has already had colorectal cancer, they could develop it a second time. Women with a history of cancer of the ovary, uterus, or breast are at somewhat higher risk of developing colorectal cancer.
•  Ulcerative colitis or Crohn disease: People who have had a condition like Crohn’s disease for many years is at increased risk of developing colorectal cancer.
•  Diet: Studies suggest that diets high in fat (especially animal fat) and low in calcium, folate, and fiber may increase the risk of colorectal cancer.
•  Cigarette smoking: Cigarette smoking may increase the risk of developing polyps and colorectal cancer.

The Good News

We now have better weapons for fighting the disease: more options for diagnosis and treatment, improved therapies and new technologies for early detection. We also now know that people can take steps to protect themselves against cancer. You may be able to lower your overall cancer risk by being active and eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.

If you think you or a loved one may be at risk, check with your doctor about getting screened as soon as possible.

Sources
National Cancer Institute [Risk Factors]
Susan Cohan Colon Cancer Foundation [Prevention]

Medical Disclaimer
The information presented on the Susan Cohan Colon Cancer web site is solely intended to provide you with information that will help educate you on the importance of diet, exercise and regular cancer screening in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Adopting these habits is an individual choice and one that should only be made after consultation with your health care professional. No information provided on this Web site is intended to replace or in any way modify the advice of your health care professional.

Can Excess Weight Increase Your Risk of Colon Cancer?



Posted by Barbara Armstrong Green

I don’t know about you, but the more I read about the benefits of losing those pounds, the more I am amazed by the damage love handles can do to your life and mine.

I’ve just finished reading an eye-opening article by healthy lifestyle guru, Joel Fuhrman M.D., about the dangerous connection between excess weight and cancer, including colon cancer and a long list of other cancers. 

According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, excess body fat alone causes over 100,000 cancers in the United States each year.

Take colon cancer, for example. It’s estimated that obesity is responsible for about 35 percent of colon cancer cases. But we can reverse that statistic if we get moving, lose those love handles, and eat lots of   health promoting fruits and vegetables.

And don't forget to get a colon cancer screening. It could save your life.

Learn More>  Colon Cancer and Obesity



Can You Recognize Possible Colon Cancer Symptoms?

Posted by Barbara Armstrong Green

March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month.

Last year alone, more than 50,000 people died of colon cancer – enough to fill an entire stadium. Colorectal cancer (which can start in either the colon or rectum) is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths of men and women. Yet, if caught early, it is one of the most curable cancers.

My vibrant sister had no idea that something deadly was brewing in her colon when she was 55. She thought she was having lower back pain and was planning to visit a doctor. Before she had a chance to keep that appointment, she found herself in terrible pain and after emergency surgery, was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer. She died four years later at the age of 59.

If I only knew then what I know now, my sister might still be alive.

Recognize Possible Symptoms:
•  Having diarrhea or constipation or other bowel changes
•  Feeling that your bowel does not empty completely
•  Finding blood (either bright red or very dark) in your stool
•  Finding your stools are narrower than usual
•  Frequently having gas pains or cramps, or feeling full or bloated
•  Losing weight with no known reason
•  Feeling very tired all the time
•  Having nausea or vomiting

Here's the tricky part: Just because you have one or more of these symptoms doesn't necessarily mean that you have cancer.  Other health problems can cause the same symptoms. But that's no reason to ignore the symptoms. Usually, early cancer does not cause pain. It is important not to wait to feel pain before seeing a doctor. Anyone with any of these symptoms should see a doctor to be diagnosed and treated as early as possible. 

Get Screened. It could save your life or someone you love!
 
Sources:
Susan Cohan Colon Cancer Foundation [Prevention]
National Cancer Institute [Symptoms]

Medical Disclaimer
The information presented on the Susan Cohan Colon Cancer web site is solely intended to provide you with information that will help educate you on the importance of diet, exercise and regular cancer screening in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Adopting these habits is an individual choice and one that should only be made after consultation with your health care professional. No information provided on this Web site is intended to replace or in any way modify the advice of your health care professional.