Colorectal cancer: Debunking 5 common myths
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A colonoscopy is one of the best tests for the early detection of colorectal cancer, which kills more than 50,000 people in the U.S. each year.* But myths about the test and the cancer abound, keeping people from getting screened on time.
Since March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, this is a good time to address five common colorectal cancer misconceptions:
MYTH Colorectal cancer can't be prevented.
FACT In many cases, it can be prevented. Colorectal cancer almost always starts with a small, precancerous growth called a polyp. Polyps can be found only with certain tests, such as a colonoscopy or a flexible sigmoidoscopy. If the polyp is found early, doctors can remove it before it develops into cancer.
Researchers also have found that a healthy lifestyle lowers the risk of colorectal cancer. These precautions include:
• Getting to and staying at a healthy weight.
• Being physically active.
• Avoiding alcohol.
• Eating a diet with lots of fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
• Eating only small amounts of red or processed meat.
MYTH Colorectal cancer is always deadly.
FACT More than 90 percent of people whose colorectal cancers are found early can be treated and cured, reports the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. But many people wait to see a doctor until they have symptoms of the disease. Often, that means the cancer has already spread. Survival rates are lower if colorectal cancer isn't found early.
MYTH Colorectal cancer affects mostly white men.
FACT It's an equal-opportunity disease—it affects men and women of all races. The most important risk factor, however, is age. More than 90 percent of colorectal cancer cases are in people 50 and older, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS).
MYTH If you eat well, exercise and feel fine, screening isn't important.
FACT Screening is for everyone. Colon cancer is a silent killer. Often it doesn't produce symptoms until the cancer has spread. And while diet and exercise lower your risk, they aren't a guarantee against the disease. Screening is recommended even for people without symptoms or risk factors. The ACS recommends that most people be screened for colorectal cancer starting at age 50. Some people who are at particularly high risk for the disease may need to start screening at an earlier age.
MYTH Colonoscopy is painful and expensive.
FACT Colonoscopies aren't painful. In fact, most people don't remember them because they're given medicine to sleep through the exam, which is always done in a very private setting. Also, many insurance policies cover the cost of screening for people 50 and older. Medicare covers the test too.
So talk with your doctor about when you should be screened for colorectal cancer. This is one test that could save your life.
Always check out these symptoms
Many people with colorectal cancer have no symptoms at all, especially during the early stages of the disease. That's why regular screening is crucial: It can find the cancer before it spreads.
Nevertheless, if you notice any of these possible symptoms of colorectal cancer, you should see your doctor right away:
• A change in bowel habits, such as constipation or diarrhea.
• Rectal bleeding, dark stools or blood in the stools.
• Stools that are narrower or thinner than normal.
• Discomfort in the abdomen, including frequent gas pains, bloating, fullness and cramps.
• Weight loss with no known reason.
• Weakness and fatigue.
• Unexplained anemia.
Although these could be signs of colorectal cancer, many other conditions can cause these symptoms too, including infections, hemorrhoids and inflammatory bowel disease.
In any case, it's important to see your doctor for prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Source: American Cancer Society
Doctors To Talk About Early Detection
CMH is hosting a health fair at 5 p.m. Thursday, March 17, at the Foster J. Boyd, MD, Regional Cancer Center where a physician panel will discuss the importance of early detection in the battle against all types of cancer.
*Copyright 2011 Coffey Communications, Inc. reprinted with permission.[[In-content Ad]]
Since March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, this is a good time to address five common colorectal cancer misconceptions:
MYTH Colorectal cancer can't be prevented.
FACT In many cases, it can be prevented. Colorectal cancer almost always starts with a small, precancerous growth called a polyp. Polyps can be found only with certain tests, such as a colonoscopy or a flexible sigmoidoscopy. If the polyp is found early, doctors can remove it before it develops into cancer.
Researchers also have found that a healthy lifestyle lowers the risk of colorectal cancer. These precautions include:
• Getting to and staying at a healthy weight.
• Being physically active.
• Avoiding alcohol.
• Eating a diet with lots of fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
• Eating only small amounts of red or processed meat.
MYTH Colorectal cancer is always deadly.
FACT More than 90 percent of people whose colorectal cancers are found early can be treated and cured, reports the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. But many people wait to see a doctor until they have symptoms of the disease. Often, that means the cancer has already spread. Survival rates are lower if colorectal cancer isn't found early.
MYTH Colorectal cancer affects mostly white men.
FACT It's an equal-opportunity disease—it affects men and women of all races. The most important risk factor, however, is age. More than 90 percent of colorectal cancer cases are in people 50 and older, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS).
MYTH If you eat well, exercise and feel fine, screening isn't important.
FACT Screening is for everyone. Colon cancer is a silent killer. Often it doesn't produce symptoms until the cancer has spread. And while diet and exercise lower your risk, they aren't a guarantee against the disease. Screening is recommended even for people without symptoms or risk factors. The ACS recommends that most people be screened for colorectal cancer starting at age 50. Some people who are at particularly high risk for the disease may need to start screening at an earlier age.
MYTH Colonoscopy is painful and expensive.
FACT Colonoscopies aren't painful. In fact, most people don't remember them because they're given medicine to sleep through the exam, which is always done in a very private setting. Also, many insurance policies cover the cost of screening for people 50 and older. Medicare covers the test too.
So talk with your doctor about when you should be screened for colorectal cancer. This is one test that could save your life.
Always check out these symptoms
Many people with colorectal cancer have no symptoms at all, especially during the early stages of the disease. That's why regular screening is crucial: It can find the cancer before it spreads.
Nevertheless, if you notice any of these possible symptoms of colorectal cancer, you should see your doctor right away:
• A change in bowel habits, such as constipation or diarrhea.
• Rectal bleeding, dark stools or blood in the stools.
• Stools that are narrower or thinner than normal.
• Discomfort in the abdomen, including frequent gas pains, bloating, fullness and cramps.
• Weight loss with no known reason.
• Weakness and fatigue.
• Unexplained anemia.
Although these could be signs of colorectal cancer, many other conditions can cause these symptoms too, including infections, hemorrhoids and inflammatory bowel disease.
In any case, it's important to see your doctor for prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Source: American Cancer Society
Doctors To Talk About Early Detection
CMH is hosting a health fair at 5 p.m. Thursday, March 17, at the Foster J. Boyd, MD, Regional Cancer Center where a physician panel will discuss the importance of early detection in the battle against all types of cancer.
*Copyright 2011 Coffey Communications, Inc. reprinted with permission.[[In-content Ad]]