Silver Cross gives keys to colorectal cancer prevention

From submitted reports Dec 8, 2010 01:15PM

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JOLIET — Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in the United States today and the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in the country. Oftentimes colorectal cancer can be detected and prevented if simple steps are followed.

“Ninety percent of colorectal cancer cases can be cured when found and treated at an early stage, so regular screenings are important,” said Dr. Riten Sheth, chairman of the endoscopy committee at Silver Cross Hospital.

Researchers are learning more about what causes colon cancer and how it grows and progresses. although no one knows the exact cause of colon cancer, medical professionals know some of the risk factors.

Research indicates that a high-fat diet, lack of fiber, inactivity, obesity, environmental exposure to carcinogens and genetic predisposition are factors. to help protect yourself, eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains, exercise regularly and get screened before you experience symptoms.

your chances of developing colon cancer are higher if you have any of the following:

a history of ulcerative colitis

Precancerous changes in the lining of the colon

A history of large polyps (growths in the colon)

A first-degree relative — mother, father, sister or brother — who had colon cancer before age 65.

Two first-degree relatives who had colon cancer at any age

Age also plays a role. Colon cancer risk is noted at age 50. most cases occur in people older than 65. Fewer than 2 percent of cases occur in those individuals under 40 years of age.

many people don’t know they have colorectal cancer because there are no warning signs in the early stages of the disease. The concept of screening is being tested when a person is feeling fine and has no symptoms or problems.

The best way to know if you have colorectal cancer — before you have symptoms — is to be screened for the disease.

Anyone can be stricken with colorectal cancer. Men and women over age 50 have the greatest risk. “You should have screenings earlier and more frequently if you have a family or personal history of colorectal cancer or polyps, or have a personal history of chronic inflammatory bowel disease,” said Sheth.

However, when symptoms do occur, they may include:

any change in the usual pattern or frequency of bowel habits

Diarrhea, constipation or a feeling that your bowels have not emptied completely

Blood in the stool that is either bright-red or very dark

Stools that are narrower than usual

Frequent gas pains, cramping or bloating.

Up to 90 percent of colon and rectal cancers can be prevented just by finding and removing polyps before they become a cancer.

For a referral to a physician who performs colon cancer screenings, including colonoscopies, call the Silver Cross physician referral service at 888-660-4325 or visit silver cross.org.

“Other conditions may be responsible for these symptoms, so it is wise to visit your doctor and let him or her determine the cause and treatment. But always keep in mind, early stages of colon cancer may not show any symptoms,” said Sheth.

The majority of colon cancer cases begin as small, noncancerous growths called polyps that can become cancerous over time. Polyps may appear in either the colon or the rectum, both of which are part of the large intestine.