In honor of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, minorities are being encouraged to care about their colons.
African-Americans, especially, are more likely to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer at a younger age than other ethnic groups and colon cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death in the U.S.
Furthermore, colon cancer is just as common among women as men. Each year, about 150,000 Americans are diagnosed with colorectal cancer, and about 50,000 die from the disease. In Indiana, an estimated 3,100 Hoosiers will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer this year and an estimated 1,160 will die.
However, there is good news. According to the American Cancer Society, colon cancer is one of the only cancers that can be prevented through screening.
It is recommended individuals receive screenings at age 50. People who are at a higher risk – such as those who have colon or rectal cancer in their families – may need to be tested at a younger age. The preferred method of screening is colonoscopy.
“Screening for colorectal cancer has been proven to reduce deaths from the disease both by decreasing the number of people who are diagnosed with it and by finding a higher proportion of cancers at early, more treatable states,” said Tom Rich, director of comprehensive cancer control, American Cancer Society, Great Lakes Division.
Colorectal cancer usually begins with a small growth called a polyp. During a colonoscopy, a doctor is able to view the entire colon and remove polyps to see if it is in fact cancer.
“It’s important to understand that removal of an abnormal polyp is a form of colon cancer prevention,” said Dr. Romnee Clark-Seaberg, a physician-researcher at Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center in a press release. “Removal of polyps during colonoscopies is the most effective form of colon cancer prevention.”
In recognition of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, the American Cancer Society in Central Indiana is collaborating with the Marion County Health Department, Colon and Rectal Care, Gastroenterology Associates, Community Hospitals, and IU Health University Hospital to offer free colon cancer risk assessments. The process takes approximately 10 minutes and participants will be required to answer several questions regarding their personal and family health history, previous colon cancer screenings and symptoms. Callers who qualify will be offered a free flexible sigmoidoscopy screening from a participating health care facility.
To schedule a free risk assessment call (317) 344-1019 or toll free at (800) 233-6303 now through March 31.
For more information on colorectal cancer, call your physician or the American Cancer Society at (317) 344-7800.
To help lower your chances of getting colorectal cancer:
• Get to and stay at a healthy weight.
• Be physically active.
• Eat a diet with a lot of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and less red or processed meat.
• Limit the amount of alcohol you drink.
• Don’t use tobacco in any form.
Signs, symptoms
According to the National Cancer Institute, the signs and symptoms colon cancer are:
• Abnormal diarrhea or constipation.
• Feeling that your bowel does not empty completely.
• Finding blood (either bright red or very dark) in your stool.
• Finding your stools are narrower than usual.
• Frequently having gas pains or cramps, or feeling full or bloated.
• Losing weight with no known reason.
• Feeling very tired all the time.
• Having nausea or vomiting.
