Colon and Colorectal Cancer
The colon in also known as the large intestine and the rectum is
the last 6 inches of the colon. Colorectal cancer is in this
part of the digestive tract. These cancers often start as a
non-cancerous polyp. There is expected to be about 150,000 new
colorectal cancers in America in 2005.
Prevention of colorectal cancer
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A diet with more whole grains, fruits and vegetables will reduce your
chance of developing colorectal cancer. High fat foods may
increase the risk. A calcium and folate supplement may also help.
And adequate physical activity can help too.
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An Aspirin a day may be beneficial.
Risk factors for Colorectal Cancer
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Family history of colorectal cancer.
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Personal history of colon polyps.
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Personal history of other colon disease such as
Crohn's disease.
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Tobacco use.
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Heavy alcohol use.
Testing for Colorectal cancer
If you are over 50 years old you need to ask for a
colon test.
The stool blood test (or fecal occult blood test) is
used to detect unseen blood in the stool. Large polyps and cancer
often cause a small amount of bleeding which can be detected on a stool
blood test. This test should be done every year.
Colonoscopy is a more definitive test where a
gastroenterologist uses a fiber optic tube to look at the lining of your
colon. A biopsy can be taken of any polyp or they can be removed at
that time. A colonoscopy may be needed only every 3 - 5 years.
Barium enema is a x-ray procedure that can identify a
polyp or other colon cancer.
To discuss your questions about colon cancer call
227-6363 to make an
appointment
with
one of the doctors at ARFP.