Colorectal cancer is cancer of the colon and/or rectum. It is equally common in both men and women — 148,810 cases will be diagnosed in 2008, and an estimated 49,960 people will die from the disease. It is also one of the most easily prevented cancers because it can develop from polyps that can be removed before they become cancerous.
What do the Colon and Rectum do?
The colon and rectum are part of the large bowel or large intestine, which is an organ that is part of the digestive system (also called the digestive tract). The digestive system is the group of organs that allow us to eat and to use the food we eat to fuel our bodies. The colon and rectum play a very important role in how our bodies use the food we eat.
Why are the Colon and Rectum Important?
Healthy eating is good for your overall health, but having a low-calorie, high-fiber diet that includes many fruits and vegetables is important to a healthy colon and rectum. A healthy colon and rectum will rid your body of the leftovers it no longer needs. Your stool is filled with bacteria, so it is important to pass this out of your body. If your colon or rectum aren't working the way they should, you will experience problems such as bloating, gas and pain.
What is family history and how does it affect my risk?
Relatives of people who have had colorectal cancer, and people who have a "family history" of the disease, are more likely to develop the disease themselves.
Parents can pass along to their children changes in certain genes that can lead to colorectal cancer. Scientists have identified several of these genetic mutations for colorectal cancer, but there might be others that have yet to be found.
Myths and Realities
Colorectal cancer has long been a disease cloaked in embarrassment and misunderstandings. Some people think that colorectal cancer is not preventable so they do not go to be screened. Other people avoid screening because they believe that if they do get tested and diagnosed with colorectal cancer they are going to die. Some women think that they do not have to worry about this disease because only men get it.
MYTH:
There is nothing I can do about getting colorectal cancer.
REALITY:
Colorectal cancer can be prevented. Screening tests can detect polyps (grape-like growths on the lining of the colon or rectum) that can turn into cancer. Removing these polyps can prevent colorectal cancer from ever occurring. Starting at age 50, men and women who are at average risk should be screened regularly for colorectal cancer. New research shows that African Americans should begin begin screening at age 45. Men and women who are at high risk of the disease because of personal or family medical history may need to be tested earlier and should talk to their health care professional about when.
MYTH:
Colorectal cancer is usually fatal.
REALITY:
Colorectal cancer is usually curable when detected early. More than 90 percent of patients with localized colorectal cancer confined to the colon or rectum are alive five years after diagnosis.
MYTH:
Colorectal cancer is a disease of older, white men.
REALITY:
An equal number of women and men get colorectal cancer. An estimated 75,810 women and 72,800 men will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2006. African Americans are more likely to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer at later stages of the disease, and at a younger age.
MYTH:
Screening tests are necessary only for individuals who have symptoms.
REALITY:
Since symptoms of colorectal cancer are often silent, it is important to get screened regularly. Screenings test for a disease even if the patient has no symptoms. About 75 percent of all new cases of colorectal cancer occur in individuals with no known risk factors for the disease, other than being 50 or older. If you have a personal or family history of colorectal cancer, polyps or inflammatory bowel disease you may need to be screened before age 50. Talk with your health care professional.
General Health Clinic encourages you to speak with your healthcare professional with questions or concerns about colorectal cancer. The Clinic welcomes most major insurances along with Medicare and Medicaid. Payments by cash, credit cards, and debit cards are accepted. The clinic is located at the junction of highways 148 and JJ in Hopkins, Missouri. The clinic will be open Saturday, March 7 and Saturday, March 21. The clinic will be closed on Friday, March 20 and Friday, March 27. Appointments can be made by calling 660-778-3209.
Source: http://www.preventcancer.org/
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