(March 31, 2009)  Nobody wants to think about colon/rectal cancer, or colorectal cancer. Yet health professionals encourage you to do just that. Colorectal cancer caught before it has a chance to spread is highly treatable. As many as 90% of colorectal deaths are preventable – with early detection and treatment.

“Colorectal cancer is the second leading cancer killer in the United States:, says Jay A. Gregory, MD, FACS, General Surgeon at Wagoner Community Hospital. “Each year it claims more lives than breast cancer or prostate cancer. Over the past 15 years, the death rates from colorectal cancer has been going down, due in large part to the increased use of early detection and prevention”. Regular screenings often allow physicians to remove polyps or perform biopsies before such lesions can become cancerous.

Everyone age 50 and over should receive regular colorectal screenings. African Americans and individuals who have a first degree relative with a history of colorectal cancer should start screenings at age 45.

Annual Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)

• Males over the age of 50 should have a prostate exam yearly at which time FOBT can be done
• Females over the age of 50 should have a yearly pelvic exam and PAP test at which time a FOBT can be done

Colonoscopy Done Every 5 years. A small flexible tube with lights and lens allows visualization of the rectum and colon. Polyps may be removed or biopsied for pathological examination. Other diagnostic tests such as

Flexible Sigmoidoscopy or Double Contrast Barium Enema can also be performed, but do not have the accuracy of Colonoscopy.

In addition to taking advantage of life saving screenings, Dr Gregory provided these risk-reducing recommendations:

• Exercise - regular exercise may reduce the development of colorectal polyps. Exercise is also tied to maintaining a healthy weight. Studies have linked physical activity and obesity with the level of certain hormones in the body, some of which are associated with colorectal cancers.
• Diet - reducing dietary fats and increasing fiber may help prevent the growth of polyps or cancer. In addition, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and whole grains from breads, cereals, nuts, and beans may provide protective benefits.
• Smoking - smoking isn’t linked only to lung cancer. Smoking also has been found to pose a significant increase in the risk of colorectal cancer.
• Alcohol Consumption - Practice Moderation - excessive use of alcohol may increase your risk of colorectal cancers as well as other gastrointestinal cancers.

“We have two important messages we want to share with everyone”, Dr. Gregory concluded. “First colorectal cancer is treatable. And second, colorectal cancer is largely preventable. The screenings are not fun, but they can be lifesaving. And, they can significantly improve the quality of your life by detecting any potential problems early. There is just no reason not to get screened.”

It is hoped that the population reading this message will see an overall decrease in the incidence of colorectal cancers by following the steps discussed. Talk with your physician about screenings and FOBT. It could save your life.