Do you know what the risk factors and warning signs are for colorectal cancer (cancer of the lower bowel)? Here's some important information on risk factors – and on tests that can help screen for colorectal cancer.
Risk factors
- Age: As you age, your risk for colorectal cancer increases. In fact, more than 90% of those afflicted with the condition are over the age of 50. This is partly due to the fact that colorectal cancer develops over a period of at least 10 years.
- Diet: A number of studies show that what you eat may be linked to your likelihood of developing colorectal cancer. For instance, diets rich in fibre and whole-grains are associated with a reduced risk. Conversely, diets high in alcohol, processed meats, or red meats may elevate your risk. Cooking meats at high temperatures can create chemicals called heterocyclic amines (HCAs) that may increase your risk of developing cancer.
- Lifestyle: Certain lifestyle habits like smoking or consuming 2 or more alcoholic drinks per day also increases your risk of developing colorectal cancer. Physical inactivity and obesity can further contribute to this.
- Family history: As with many other forms of cancer, the odds of getting colorectal cancer go up if a family member, particularly a parent or sibling, has had the disease. While this may be in part to genetic factors, it may also result from living in a similar environment or adopting a similar lifestyle. People with a family history of inherited breast cancer, uterine, or ovarian cancer are also at an increased risk for developing colorectal cancer.
- Polyps: Polyps are growths of tissue that can be found in the colon. These growths can be benign (non-cancerous) or they can go on to become cancerous. The type, size, and number of polyps that you have can affect your risk of developing colorectal cancer.
- Medical conditions: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, and diabetes have been associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer. Rare genetic conditions like Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) are also linked to a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer.
Tests
When a person is diagnosed with colorectal cancer, that generally means they have malignant (cancerous) cells in the tissue of the colon and/or rectum. Doctors are able to make such a diagnosis by administering a variety of tests that analyze the rectum and rectal tissue as well as the blood. Catching colon cancer early with screening can greatly increase your survival. Common tests include:
- Fecal occult blood test (FOBT): A sample of a person's stool is placed on a card, which is then examined under a microscope to see if there is blood in the stool, a sign of colorectal cancer. There are several factors that can give a falsely-positive FOBT, like consuming certain foods before the test.
- Fecal immunochemical test (FIT): similar to FOBTs, a FIT checks your stool for blood. They are often preferred over FOBTs due to a lower risk of false positives from diet or medication-related factors, and are easier to use.
- Digital rectal exam: A doctor or nurse examines the rectum with a lubricated, gloved finger to feel for any irregularities in the rectum or detect the presence of any polyps.
- Colonoscopy: A colonoscope (a thin, lighted tube) is inserted into the rectum to provide doctors with a comprehensive view of a person's entire colon and the rectum. The doctors can also take out tissues or polyps (growths of tissue) so that they can be analyzed for a more complete diagnosis.
- Biopsy: Cells or tissues are removed from the body for further examination under a microscope.
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy: A sigmoidoscope (a thin, flexible tube with a camera on the end) is used to look inside a person's rectum and lower colon, also called the sigmoid. The sigmoidoscope checks for any abnormalities, including polyps and cancer.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/Colorectal-Cancer-Cutting-the-Risks
Getting to the meat of the problem
Juicy steaks and other red-meat dishes are culinary signatures in many western nations, including Canada. However, our appetite for beef and other fatty foods may be one of the reasons colorectal cancer has become so common.
Researchers have found that red and processed meat may elevate the amount of compounds people have in their large bowel, which in turn mutates DNA, thereby boosting the risk of cancer. Limiting the amount of red and processed meats in your diet, as well as using preparation methods that don't rely on high temperature cooking, can help to keep your dietary risks in check.
Other foods for thought
While different forms of meat seem to have differing contributions to colorectal cancer, most studies wouldn't point to meat in general to help lower the risk. The kinds of foods that have been tied to lowering the risk are fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Include plenty of water in your daily diet, as it helps with digestion and prevents constipation.
Low-fat, high-fibre diets are also associated with a variety of other health benefits. So forget a bologna sandwich on white bread – instead, opt for a tasty low-fat cheese sandwich on whole wheat.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/Colorectal-Cancer-Cutting-the-Risks
Screening saves lives
Make no mistake about it – screening saves lives. Whether it's the mammogram to screen for breast cancer or the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) for colorectal cancer, tests have the potential to detect abnormalities early – early enough that you can do something about it.
Research shows that when colorectal cancer is caught early, 90% of individuals receive successful treatment.
Implementing a screening program
The success rate of screening has prompted provincial and federal government committees, as well as cancer advocacy groups, to implement province-wide colorectal screening programs.
While there are some differences from province to province, many will screen individuals aged 50 to 74 with an FIT every 2 years. Eligible individuals can request to be enrolled in a screening program or referred by a health care provider. In certain provinces, people may be automatically enrolled after turning 50 and will have invitations or testing kits sent out to them.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/Colorectal-Cancer-Cutting-the-Risks
Finding time to be physically active is a challenge for most of us. Between the seemingly endless demands of work and family, it may seem like there just aren't enough hours in the day to squeeze in a brisk walk or a pick-up game of basketball.
But when it comes to the health of your colon and rectum and the rest of your body, you need to make time.
According to the Canadian Cancer Society, you can lower your risk of colorectal cancer by being physically active. Exercise helps you to maintain a healthy weight, which helps keep your risk of colon cancer down. Other possible reasons for the risk-lowering effect of exercise include effects on your metabolism, immune functions, and digestive system.
You don't have to run races or climb rock walls to cut your cancer risk. You can get started by taking brisk walks or taking the stairs instead of the elevator. If you have joint pain, low-impact exercises like swimming are great options to keep your body fit and healthy.
So get moving and protect yourself!
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/Colorectal-Cancer-Cutting-the-Risks
