Colorectal Cancer is Preventable, Treatable & Beatable
Tuesday, March 11, 2008 |
In Other News:Smash this car, help beat cancerFriday, May 09, 2008 GHFC will have a "car smashing" booth at the Relay for Life tonight at Kanapaha Middle School. We'll be there from 6 p.m. tonight until noon Saturday. ... Smash this car, help beat cancer Friday, May 09, 2008 GHFC will have a "car smashing" booth at the Relay for Life tonight at Kanapaha Middle School. We'll be there from 6 p.m. tonight until noon Saturday. ... |
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If you're 50 or older, you need to get tested for colon cancer.
Colorectal Cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death.50,000 Americans die each year from Colorectal Cancer.
While very preventable, 43 percent of Americans over 50 are not getting screened.
For people over 50, a colonoscopy every 8 to 10 years is the best way to prevent and beat the disease.
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About the DoctorShahnaz Sultan, MD |
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Risk Factors
AgeBy far the No. 1 risk factor. Your chance of having colorectal cancer goes up after age 50. More than 9 out of 10 people found to have colorectal cancer are older than 50.
Race/Ethnicity
African Americans have the highest number of colorectal cancer cases and the highest death rates from colorectal cancer of all racial groups in the United States. The reason for this is not yet known. Some studies have found that Jews of Eastern European descent (Ashkenazi Jews) have the highest colorectal cancer risk of any ethnic group in the world.
Diet
A diet high in fat, especially fat from animal sources, and low in fiber. Over time, eating a lot of red meats and processed meats can increase colorectal cancer risk. Not eating enough fruits and vegetables can also increase your risk.
Most people know that smoking causes lung cancer, but recent studies show that smokers are 30% to 40% more likely than nonsmokers to die of colorectal cancer. Smoking increases the risk of many other cancers, too.
Heavy use of alcohol has been linked to colorectal cancer.
Physicial Activity
People who are not active have a higher risk of colorectal cancer.
Personal Medical History
Having had polyps before increases the risk of colorectal cancer, especially if the polyps were large or if there were many of them.
Family Medical History
If you have close relatives who have had this cancer, your risk is increased
How To Lower Your Risk
- The No. 1 way to lower your risk is to get a colonoscopy- Eat a low fat diet.
- Eat between 25-30 grams of fiber each day from fruits, vegetables, whole grain bread and cereals, nuts and beans.
- Eat foods with folate such as leafy green vegetables and/or a Multi Vitamin with 0.4 mg folate.
- If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation.
- Do not smoke.
- Exercise for at least 20 minutes 3-4 times per week.