Colorectal Cancer - American Cancer Society
Colorectal cancer (commonly referred to as colon cancer) is the second leading cause of cancer death among men and women combined in the United States. The Society estimates that this year 148,810 Americans will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer and almost 50,000 will die of the disease - a number that could be cut in half if Americans followed American Cancer Society testing recommendations for the disease.
Colon cancer develops in the lower part of the digestive system, also referred to as the gastrointestinal, or GI, system. The digestive tract processes the food you eat and rids the body of solid waste matter. This cancer usually develops from pre-cancerous changes or growths in the lining of the colon and rectum. Growths in the colon or rectum are called polyps.
Colon cancer almost always starts with a polyp. In most cases, colon and rectum cancers develop slowly over a period of several years. Finding and removing these polyps before they become cancerous can stop colon cancer before it even starts.
Both men and women are at risk for colon cancer and personal risk varies. There are several factors that are associated with increased risk. They include:
Race - African Americans are at greater risk
Personal or family history of colon cancer
Personal or family history of intestinal polyps
Personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative or Crohn’s colitis)
Certain genetic factors (familial adenomatous polyposis, Gardner’s syndrome, hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer, Ashkenazi Jewish descent)
Smoking or use of other tobacco products
Physical inactivity
Diets high in red meat
Diets low in fruits and vegetables
Alcohol consumption
Obesity
Fortunately, the death rate from colorectal cancer has been going down for the past 15 years. Progress is credited to colorectal cancer screening, which is recommended by the American Cancer Society beginning at age 50. When colon cancers are detected at an early (i.e. localized) stage, the five-year survival rate is approximately 90 percent; however, because screening rates are so low, only 39 percent of colorectal cancers are detected at this stage. By getting tested, you can prevent or cure colon cancer.
Your doctor can help you make informed decisions about the most appropriate testing method. The American Cancer Society recommends one of these five testing options:
Flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years
Yearly FOBT and flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years (preferred over either option alone)
Double contrast barium enema every five years
Colonoscopy every 10 years
Help the American Cancer Society honor National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month this March and get tested.
The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by saving lives, diminishing suffering and preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. Founded in 1913 and with national headquarters in Atlanta, the Society has 13 regional Divisions and local offices in 3,400 communities, involving millions of volunteers across the United States. For more information on the Society’s research program or about how to give, call toll free 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit the Society’s homepage: http://www.cancer.org. On the homepage, click “In My Community” to learn what programs, services and events are going in Southeastern Pennsylvania.
For information, resources and events related to colorectal cancer, see the PhillyHealthInfo.org Colon Cancer page.