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About Colorectal Cancer
• Colorectal cancer is the No. 2 cancer killer in the United States
• Both men and women are at risk
• 93% of cases occur in people at 50 or older
• The risk of developing colorectal cancer increases with age
• With proper screening, colorectal cancer is 90% preventable.
Statistics
• In 2007, the American Cancer Society estimates 740 Utahns will be diagnosed with colon cancer (153,760 nationwide)
• In 2007, the American Cancer Society estimates 240 Utahns will die from colon cancer (52,180 nationwide)
Risk Factors
• Aged 50 or older
• Family or personal history of colon or rectal cancers
• Personal history of inflammatory bowel disease
• Diet
• Smoking
1) What are some danger signs and symptoms of colon cancer?
Colorectal cancer first develops with few, if any, symptoms. However, if symptoms are present, they may include:
• Blood in or on the stool
• A change in bowel habits
• Stools that are narrower than usual
• General, unexplained stomach discomfort
• Frequent gas, pains or indigestion;
• Unexplained weight loss
• Chronic fatigue
These symptoms can also be associated with many other health conditions. If you have any of these symptoms, discuss them with your doctor.
2) What are some ways to REDUCE PERSONAL RISK OF colon cancer?
Risk factors include:
• Aged 50 or older
• Family or personal history of colon or rectal cancers
• Personal history of inflammatory bowel disease
• Diet
• Smoking
• Sedentary lifestyle
Therefore increasing physical activity, eating fruits and vegetables, limiting alcohol consumption, and avoiding tobacco are all good ways to help reduce personal risk.
3) Are you awake during the procedure and does it hurt?
• Colonoscopy is conducted in a doctor’s office, in a clinic or at a hospital. A patient may be given a sedative to make him/her more comfortable during the test.
• The procedure is designed to look for cancer and precancerous cells. A colonoscope—a thin, flexible tube with a small video camera on the end—is inserted and passed through the large intestines. The physician looks for ulcers, polyps, tumors, areas of inflammation, or bleeding.
• During the procedure the patient remains in a state of conscious sedation, which means they are essentially sleeping, but can be aroused if necessary. Patients walk away with no memory of the procedure.
4) If someone in your family has had it … how soon should you be screened, is it necessary before 30, 40, 50?
You should begin screening for colorectal cancer soon after turning 50, and then continue getting screened at regular intervals. However, you may need to be tested earlier or more often than other people if:
• You or a close relative have had colorectal polyps or colorectal cancer; or
• You have inflammatory bowel disease.
Speak with your doctor about when you should begin screening and how often you should be tested.
5) Where can you go or call for an appointment?
To schedule a colonoscopy or for more information, call University Health Care’s Redwood Health Center, 801-213-9797.
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