Colon Cancer And Polyps:
What You Need To Know
Colon Cancer: What You Should Know
It would surprise many to learn that colon cancer is the third leading cause of death by cancer Worldwide. Over the past 10 years, more than 600,000 people have succumbed to this highly preventable and treatable cancer, and over 1.5 million have been diagnosed.
Colon cancer, sometimes referred to as colorectal cancer, usually starts as slow-growing precancerous polyps, a term used to describe bumps on the surface of the colon. Virtually all colon cancers begin with these growths. When found early, colon cancer is approximately 90% treatable.
Colon cancer risk factorsThe lifetime risk for developing colon cancer is 1-in-18 and over 90% of these cases occur after the age 50. Increasing age, a family history of colon polyps, colon cancer or other early cancers can double or triple your risk for developing this disease. If any of these risk factors run in your family, you need to start the discussion about screening at age 40 or even earlier depending on when your family members were diagnosed.
Persons with ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease or a personal history of cancer are also at increased risk for colon cancer and need to tailor regular, more frequent colonoscopies.
Studies also indicate that diet and smoking may increase the risk of developing colon polyps and colon cancer.
While family history and other risk factors matter, not having risk factors does not eliminate your need for screenings.
What polyps tell usAs we age, about 1-in-4 of us develop polyps in our colon and about 10% of these polyps eventually turn from a benign growth into colon cancer. For the most part, these polyps take about 10 years to transform into colon cancer.
Polyps and early colon cancers often have no symptoms and can be detected only by screening exams.
How can colon cancer best be prevented?There are several effective ways to reduce your colon cancer risk, but none more important than getting timely screenings and removing polyps before they become malignant.
Refraining from smoking, maintaining healthy weight and regular exercise, managing normal body levels of nutrients, especially vitamin D also appear to lower risk factors. Diets high in fiber are good for you, but have not been definitively shown to reduce colon cancer risk.
Colon cancer symptoms and screening options…