Colorectal Cancer Prevention

Cancers of the colon and rectum – also known as colorectal cancers – are common, affecting both men and women and are most often found in people over age 50.

Risk factors

According to the American Cancer Society, among the most common risk factors for developing colorectal cancer are:

• Age – Although the disease can strike any age, most people who develop colorectal cancer are over age 50.
• Polyps – These non-cancerous growths are common in people over age 50.  Experts believe that cancer can develop from polyps, so removal may be a way to prevent colorectal cancer.
• Personal history – People who have had the disease may develop it a second time.
• Family history – Parents, siblings or children of a person who has had colorectal cancer are somewhat more likely to develop it, especially if the family member had the cancer before age 50.
• A personal history of ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease.
• Diet – Some evidence suggests that high-fat, high-calorie, low-fiber diets may play a part in development of the disease.

You may also be at risk if you:

• Are of Eastern European (Ashkenazi) Jewish decent
• Don’t get enough exercise
• Are overweight
• Smoke or are a heavy alcohol user

Hereditary collorectal cancer

The two most common inherited causes of colon cancer are called Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) and Hereditary Non-Polyposis Colorectal Cancer (HNPCC). Norton Genetic Counseling Service offers genetic education, risk assessment and testing for people who are concerned about their risk of hereditary cancers.  For more information, call (502) 629-GENE.

Prevention

To prevent colorectal cancer experts recommend:

• Eat a low fat, high fiber diet
• Have a yearly fecal occult blood test (FOBT) and flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years
• Have a yearly FOBT and double contrast enema
• Have a yearly FOBT and colonoscopy every 10 years

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms of colorectal cancer are not always obvious and often are attributed to other causes such as stress, overeating or indigestion. Left untreated, the cancer can spread to other parts of the body. That’s why routine screenings are crucial.

The National Cancer Institute warns that common signs of colorectal cancer include:

• A change in bowel habits
• Persistent diarrhea
• Constipation or feeling that the bowel does not empty completely
• Blood in the stool
• Stools that are more narrow than usual
• General abdominal discomfort such as bloating, cramps or gas pains
• Unexplained weight loss
• Constant fatigue
• Vomiting

For more information on colorectal cancer prevention, contact the Norton Cancer Institute Prevention & Early Detection Program at 1-800-555-6772 or (502) 629-5500 or email cancer@nortonhealthcare.org.  A health care professional will research and respond to your question within 48-hours.  Exceptions may include weekends and holidays.