Health
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month: Have you been Screened?
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According to the CDC, if everyone 50 years or older were screened regularly for colorectal cancer, as many as 60% of deaths from this cancer could be prevented. Screenings such as the colonoscopy are very effective in detecting colon and rectal polyps early, which allows us to remove them before they ever become cancerous. In addition, colorectal cancer is highly curable if the disease is found early.
In general you should have your first colonoscopy at age 50 and every 10 years afterwards unless you are at high risk for colorectal cancer or have a family or personal history of polyps or colon cancer. The American College of Gastroenterology recommends that African Americans begin screening at age 45. If you are in the high risk group speak with your physician about when you should be screened and how often.
Although the exact cause of colorectal cancer is not known, there are some risk factors for developing the disease, including:
•Age: Colon cancer is more common in people over 50 and the chance of getting the disease increases with each decade. ACG does recommend African Americans begin screening earlier, at age 45.
•Gender: Women have a higher risk for colon cancer; men for developing rectal cancer.
•Polyps: Polyps are fairly common non-cancerous growths on the inner wall of the colon or rectum. Adenomatous polyps are non-cancerous precursors to colon and rectal cancer.
•Personal history: Women with a history of ovarian, uterine or breast cancer associated with Lynch Syndrome, have a somewhat increased risk of developing colorectal cancer. Also, a person who already has had colorectal cancer may develop the disease a second time. Chronic inflammatory conditions of the colon, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, place people at a higher risk.
•Family history: If family members have had colorectal cancer, the risk increases, as does a family history of polyposis, adenomatous polyps, or hereditary polyp syndrome.
•Diet: A diet high in fat and calories and low in fiber may be linked to a greater risk.
•Lifestyle factors: Alcohol, smoking, sedentary lifestyle and obesity may also increase your risk.
In addition to regular screenings there are other ways to reduce your risk for colorectal cancer, including:
•Altering your intake of meat, eggs, dairy products and oils used in cooking and salad dressings to reduce fat in your diet.
•Increasing the amount of fiber in your diet by eating more vegetables, fruits and whole-grain breads and cereals.
•Taking a daily multivitamin containing folic acid or folate, which some studies suggest can lower your colorectal cancer risk. Other studies suggest that getting more calcium with supplements or low-fat dairy products can also help.
•Making sure you get enough exercise. Even small amounts of exercise on a regular basis can be helpful.
Dr. George Howard is a Central resident and a Gastroenterologist at Ochsner Health Center – Central. He is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and joined Ochsner in 2005. He can be contacted at 261-9790.
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