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Colorectal Cancer

• Facts– The 2nd leading cause cancer-related deaths in the Nation

– Highly preventable

– Caused 49,920 deaths in 2009

– Number of cases diagnosed in 2009:

− Colon cancer: 106,100

− Rectal cancer: 40,870

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Cause of Colorectal Cancer

• There are no specific causes, but the risk factors include:– A personal history of colorectal polps, previously treated

colorectal cancer, or inflammatory bowel disease– Race : African Americans are more likely than other racial or

ethnic groups to get colorectal cancer– Being physically inactive– Eating a diet high in fat (especially from red meat)– Obesity– Smoking– Alcohol use– Eating a diet low in fruits and vegetables– Having a family history of colorectal cancers, certain other

cancers, and benign colon polyps (Fewer than 10% of colorectal cancers are caused by inherited gene mutations.)

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What are the Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer?

• Possible symptoms and signs of colon cancer:– A change in bowel habits – Blood (either bright red or very dark) in the stool – Diarrhea, constipation, or feeling that the bowel does not

empty completely– Stools that are narrower than usual– General abdominal discomfort (frequent gas pains,

bloating, fullness, or cramps)– Weight loss with no known reason– Constant tiredness or anemia– Recurrent vomiting– These and other symptoms may be caused by colon

cancer or by other conditions. A doctor should be consulted if you have any of these symptoms

Courtesy National Cancer Institute

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Screening

• The most common symptom of colorectal cancer is no symptom — so know your risk factors and get screened

• Screening for colorectal cancer saves lives by allowing you to:– Find and remove polyps before they become cancerous—which

prevents colon cancer from ever developing.

– Find cancer at an early stage, when treatment is most successful

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Who Should be Screened?

• For people of average risk, screening guidelines recommend that screening begin at age 50

• If your risk is higher than average, you should talk to your doctor about appropriate screening

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Screening Types & Frequency

• Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)– Every 1-2 years– Can be checked immediately onsite through digital rectal exam

• Flex Sigmoidoscopy– Every 5 years– Require preparation with laxative / enema / diet restrictions– Combination of FOBT and Flex Sig every 5 years increase

efficiency

• Colonoscopy– Every 10 years, repeat earlier 3 – 5 years if polyp found– Outpatient surgery, need sedation– Preparation with laxative / enema / diet restriction

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Prevention

• Diet– Decrease saturated fat (animal fat, dairy, coconut– High fiber intake (5 or more servings daily)

• Eat variety of foods to increase vitamins – Folic Acid, Calcium, Vitamin D, Magnesium

• Limit alcohol– 1 drink/day women and 2 drinks/day for men.– 4-5 ounce glass of wine– 12 ounce can beer– 1.5 ounce shot 80-proof

• Exercise – At least 45-60 minutes 5 or more days per week

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Final Words

• If you experience any stomach discomfort, bleeding in your stool, or unexplained weight loss, please contact your physician today

• Just like any other cancer, earlier detection is the key to survival, so please check with your health care provider to see if you are a candidate for the screenings discussed earlier

• Prevention, of course, is always better than treatment

• Starting tomorrow and throughout the month of March, the Wellness Center will have fresh fruits as snacks. So, please stop by and get some

Thank you

Sokan

Source: American Cancer Society