Are You at Risk for Colon Cancer?

Gastroenterologists
at Pattie A. Clay
Regional Medical Center

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Mansur Kahn, MD, gastroenterologist

“Together, cancers of the colon and rectum are among the most common cancers in the United States. They occur in both men and women and are most often found among people who are over the age of 50.” 

Colorectal cancer deaths could be reduced by at least 50% if more people age 50 and older were screened for the disease, according to a recent report from the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable.

Although colorectal cancer is the second-most common cancer in both men and women in the U.S., and is 90% curable when caught early, the majority of Americans are not screened. According to one study only 21-34% of those surveyed had undergone colorectal cancer screenings in the previous five years.

Common Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer 

Colon cancer and cancer of the rectum can usually be successfully cured when detected early enough. Don't be shy about telling your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Bleeding from the rectum
• A change in bowel movement pattern that continues over time
• General discomfort in the abdomen (frequent gas pains, cramping pain, feeling of bloating or fullness)
• Vomiting
• Constant fatigue
• Chronic constipation

Colorectal Cancer: Who's at Risk?

The exact causes of colorectal cancer are not known. However, studies show that the following risk factors increase a person's chances of developing colorectal cancer.

Age. Colorectal cancer is more likely to occur as people get older. This disease is more common in people over the age of 50. However, colorectal cancer can occur at younger ages, even, in rare cases, in the teens.

Diet. Colorectal cancer seems to be associated with diets that are high in fat and calories and low in fiber. Researchers are exploring how these and other dietary factors play a role in the development of colorectal cancer.

Polyps. Polyps are benign growths on the inner wall of the colon and rectum. They are fairly common in people over age 50. Some types of polyps increase a person's risk of developing colorectal cancer. A rare, inherited condition, called familial polyposis, causes hundreds of polyps to form in the colon and rectum.

Personal medical history. Research shows that women with a history of cancer of the ovary, uterus, or breast have a somewhat increased chance of developing colorectal cancer.

Family medical history. First-degree relatives (parents, siblings, children) of a person who has had colorectal cancer are somewhat more likely to develop this type of cancer themselves, especially if the relative had the cancer at a young age. If many family members have had colorectal cancer, the chances increase even more.

Ulcerative colitis. Ulcerative colitis is a condition in which the lining of the colon becomes inflamed.

Colorectal cancer tests include:

. The doctor may suggest one or more of the tests listed below.

fecal occult blood test (FOBT) is a test used to check for hidden blood in the stool. Sometimes cancers or polyps can bleed, and FOBT is used to detect small amounts of bleeding.

A sigmoidoscopy is an examination of the rectum and lower colon (sigmoid colon) using a lighted instrument called a sigmoidoscope.

A colonoscopy is an examination of the rectum and entire colon using a lighted instrument called a colonoscope.

A double contrast barium enema (DCBE) is a series of x-rays of the colon and rectum. The patient is given an enema with a solution that contains barium, which outlines the colon and rectum on the x-rays.

You should ask your doctor when to begin checking for colorectal cancer, what tests to have, and how often to have them. For more information go to www.nci.nih.gov.

Dr.Mansur Khan  is board certified in  gastroenterology and practices at Pattie A. Clay Regional Medical Center

5/04

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