March is COLON CANCER Awareness Month

What is Colon Cancer?
Colorectal cancer (commonly referred to as “colon” cancer) almost always develops from precancerous changes or growths in the lining of the colon called polyps. Colon cancer can be prevented if precancerous polyps are found and removed. Colon cancer develops in the lower part of the digestive system. The digestive tract processes food and rids the body of solid waste matter.

The Facts about Colon Cancer:
--The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 150,000 Americans will be diagnosed with colon or rectal cancer and more than 50,000 will die. In Minnesota, 2,500 will be diagnosed and 900 will die from colon and rectal cancer.
--Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death (behind lung cancer) in the U.S for men and women combined.
--More than 90% of colon cancer cases are diagnosed in men and women 50 and older.
--Survival rate is 90% when colon cancer is found at an early stage, but currently only 39% of colon cancers are detected at an early stage.
--Colon cancer kills more women than ovarian, uterine, and cervical cancers combined.
--African-Americans have the highest colon cancer incidence and death rates of any racial or ethnic group in the U.S.
--Hispanics are less likely to get tested for colon cancer than any other racial or ethnic group.
--The Society is currently funding 113 colon cancer research grants nationwide totaling more than $62.1 million.
--Many insurance plans and Medicare assist in paying for colon cancer screening tests.
--The Society advocates at the federal level to establish a national program to provide colorectal cancer screening, treatment and outreach to uninsured and underinsured men and women. This program would also provide greater awareness among the general public about preventing this disease, one the most easily preventable cancers.
--Recent studies confirm that for all cancer sites combined, including colorectal cancer, patients who were uninsured were almost two times as likely to die in five years as those with private insurance. Ward, E., et al. “Association of Insurance with Cancer Care Utilization and Outcomes.” CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians. Jan/Feb 2008.
Risk Factors:
--Colon cancer risk increases with age, making age the greatest risk factor.
--Family history of polyps or diseases of the bowel can also increase colon cancer risk.
--Certain genetic factors increase colon cancer risk.
--Race can increase risk, and African-Americans are at particularly high risk for colon cancer.

Certain behavioral factors increase colon cancer risk, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, physical inactivity, diet high in processed and/or red meat and a diet low in fruits and vegetables.

--Colon cancer almost always starts with a polyp – a small growth on the lining of the colon or rectum.
--Men and women age 50 and older are at risk for colon cancer, but they can prevent it by getting tested.
--A test for colon cancer can detect and remove polyps before they turn cancerous.
--More Minnesotans die of cancer of the colon and rectum than either breast or prostate cancer.
--People often think of colon cancer as a man’s disease, but colon cancer kills more women than ovarian, uterine, and cervical cancers combined.
--Colon cancer tests are as important as annual Pap tests and mammograms.
--Colon cancer usually has no symptoms in its early stages, so someone may have colon cancer & not know it.
--Don’t be afraid to ask your health care provider about colon cancer testing, even if he or she doesn’t mention it first.

The American Cancer Society recommends men and women limit intake of red meat, especially those high in fat, maintain a healthy weight, and be physically active to reduce their colon cancer risk.

The Society advocates at the federal level to establish a national program to provide colorectal cancer screening, treatment and outreach to uninsured and underinsured men and women. This program would also provide greater awareness among the general public about preventing this disease, one the most easily preventable cancers.

Recent studies confirm that for all cancer sites combined, including colorectal cancer, patients who were uninsured were almost two times as likely to die in five years as those with private insurance. Ward, E., et al. “Association of Insurance with Cancer Care Utilization and Outcomes.” CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians. Jan/Feb 2008.