March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month

By , SparkPeople Blogger
Ten years ago March was declared National Colorectal Awareness Month in order to help raise awareness to the second leading cause of cancer deaths here in the United States. Research has shown approximately 5% of the American adult population will be affected with this disease, however, early detection is essential for long term survival.

One of the most difficult factors physicians face is the notion that people do not like to talk about their bowel habits, whether this is out of embarrassment or lack of knowledge that any change in our bowel habits can be a sign or symptom that something may be wrong. But also know that the signs and symptoms (see below) can be quite vague so don’t panic if you are experiencing one or more, since there are many other ailments of the gastrointestinal tract that can be responsible for your issues. But, please don’t hesitate to talk with your doctor if you have any concerns.

In order to better understand this disease, we must first identify who may be at risk. Sadly, we all are, especially those over the age of 50. Below is a list which will help identify some of the other risk factors.

  • Adults over age 50- more than 90% of those diagnosed with this disease are over the age of 50 with the average age being 72 years.
  • Smokers or those who use other tobacco products
  • Sedentary individuals
  • Diet high in fat and low in fiber
  • Obesity
  • Family history of inherited colorectal cancer
  • Family history or personal history of polyps, both cancerous and benign
  • Family history or personal history of inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease
  • Women who have been previously diagnosed with cancers of the ovary, uterus or breast

    • Because colorectal cancer symptoms may mimic symptoms of various other gastrointestinal diseases it is important to talk over any new or changing symptoms with your health care provider. It is always best to err on the side of caution since identifying this disease early on can lead to a greater chance of survival.

    Below is a list of symptoms that have been identified with this disease.

  • Bleeding from the rectum
  • Bright red or very dark (black looking) stools
  • Constipation, diarrhea or the sensation that you did not empty your bowel
  • Narrowed stools, more than usual
  • Gas, cramps, bloating
  • Loss of weight for no known reason
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea or vomiting

    • One test that every individual over the age of 50, with or without a family or personal history of colorectal cancer, is the colonoscopy. If you are younger than 50 and have a family history of colorectal cancers or you have experienced risk factors mentioned earlier, your physician may recommend a colonoscopy before that time.

    Unfortunately, the colonoscopy has received a bad rap from many, mainly from the preparation that one must do prior to the test. But this test is crucial in making an early diagnosis for many, therefore allowing for a positive recovery. Do not allow embarrassment and modesty to stand in the way of potentially saving your life.

    I hope you will take time to discuss your concerns with your doctor. Also remind your family members the necessity to have a routine colonoscopy recommended by their physician. For most this is done every 10 years if the first test was clear, but for those with a family history or other risk factors may be required to do so more frequently. This is one cancer that if caught early can be treated, therefore allowing one to have a long life ahead.

    Were you aware colorectal cancers are so prevalent? Do you feel embarrassed to talk with your doctor about your bowel habits? Have you had a colonoscopy? Have you or anyone else in your family been diagnosed with colon or rectal cancer?