By Kathy Rhodes, American Cancer Society
That colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable cancers?
It is the second leading cause of cancer death, but most of these deaths could be prevented with appropriate screening and early intervention. Because early colorectal cancer often has no symptoms, the American Cancer Society recommends that everyone 50 and over be tested, and that people with a family history of the disease should talk to their doctor about testing earlier.
Colorectal cancer almost always starts with a polyp – a small growth on the lining of the colon or rectum. The cancer can be prevented by finding and removing these polyps (via colonoscopy) before they become cancerous. Other tests screen for cancer, but not polyps, and are collected at home with a kit provided by your medical provider. These tests are cheap, easy, and non-invasive, but need to be done yearly to be considered an effective screening method. All insurance plans are now required to cover both forms of colorectal cancer screening for eligible patients.
Some risk factors can’t be changed, such as age or family history, but there are many others which you can! Obesity or overweight, physical inactivity, smoking, heavy alcohol use, a diet high in red or processed meat, and inadequate intake of fruits and vegetables have all been linked to an increased risk for developing colorectal cancer.
Don’t wait! Talk to your doctor about the testing options, make the decision that is best for you, make an appointment and get it done, and then remind everyone to do the same!