Awareness of colon cancer is key to prevention

Colorectal cancer is not the cancer that everyone is talking about, but it should be. It is the second most common cause of cancer-related death in men and women in the U.S., however, when found early, the five-year survival rate is 90 percent. Many more lives could be saved by making a few lifestyle changes, understanding the risks of colorectal cancer, and increasing screening rates.

Who is at risk?

Anyone can get colorectal cancer, but some people are at an increased risk. Men have a slightly higher instance of colorectal cancer than women, and the majority of cancer is found in people over the age of 50. People who have a strong family history of colorectal cancer or polyps also have an increased risk of cancer. Regular screening is recommended after the age of 50, when the likelihood of finding colorectal cancer increases by 80 percent.

How Can I Prevent Colorectal Cancer?

For those under the age of 50, take the time now to make lifestyle changes to prevent colorectal and other types of cancer. Those lifestyle changes include getting 150 minutes of activity a week, achieving and maintaining a healthy body weight, limiting consumption of unhealthy foods and alcohol, and adding more fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain foods to a regular diet.

For anyone over the age of 50, the above lifestyle changes are just as critical to help continue living an active, healthy life in your golden years. In addition, if you haven’t had a colonoscopy in the last 10 years, schedule one now and make regular appointments as explained by your doctor. Remember, early detection is key.

What Are Other Signs or Symptoms?

Early colorectal cancer usually has no symptoms. That is why it’s essential for those over age 50 to be screened, usually by following through with a colonoscopy. The screening can find polyps, which are often noncancerous growths that can later develop into colorectal cancer. Only 39 percent of colorectal cancer incidences are diagnosed at an early stage, primarily because people do not get tested. By the time that symptoms develop, such as blood in the stool, cramping pain in the lower abdomen, or rectal bleeding, it is often a warning sign of a more advanced stage of the disease.

What Do I Do Next?

Take action, based on your age and current health, family history, and lifestyle. For those over 50, make your colonoscopy appointment if you have not yet been screened. For everyone, it’s never too late to make changes to your health that can prevent many cancers and diseases. Decide now to work toward a healthy weight that you can maintain, make small dietary changes, and add in physical activity to take charge of your health and do your best to prevent colorectal cancer.

Allison Linville is the community relations coordinator for North Valley Hospital.