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Let’s Also Be Aware of Colorectal Cancer This Month
By Dianne Hart Pettis, MS, FNP-BC
The Truth Contributor
Yes, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and it’s
hard not to notice all the tremendously helpful coverage
everywhere. I am going a different direction this month
though, inspired by my recent work experience. I am doing
some work with the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC)
Liver and Pancreas Cancer Center. Most of the patients
referred to the surgeons have liver cancer that has spread
from their colon/rectal cancer.
I was not aware that approximately 60 percent of
patients who have colorectal cancer go on to have a
secondary cancer in the liver. So, I’ve said all that to
say; awareness and prevention of colorectal cancer is what I
want to focus on today. Though breast cancer tops the list
of estimated new cancer cases; colorectal cancer is the
second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States.
The colon and rectum are at the lower end of the
digestive system. The colon, or large intestine measures
about four to five feet, and functions to absorb large
qualities of nutrients and water from the undigested food
then transfers them to the bloodstream. The colon leads
into the rectum, which is the last several inches of
intestine. The rectum stores, then expels waste (feces).
Most colon cancers develop in the tissues of the bowel
wall and slowly grow through the layers, forming polyps
(abnormal growths of tissue). Not all polyps are cancerous,
but an adenoma is a certain type of polyp that develops into
a cancer. At some point in life, about one out of every 20
people will have colorectal cancer. This is why it is so
important to be screened beginning at the age of 50 and
continuing to age 75.
Screening should begin at age 40 if there is a
family history of polyps or colorectal cancer. A polyp is
not something you can see from the outside of your body.
When two or more are found during an exam, they should be
removed to prevent cancer from developing.
There are multiple tests available to check for cancer:
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy – It is recommended every five
years. This is a scope that looks at only the lower third
of the colon. It’s less expensive than a colonoscopy, and
does not require sedation, but it does not catch many
cancers and pre-cancerous polyps.
Colonoscopy – This scope allows the viewing of more of the
colon (large intestine) and rectum. It is recommended every
10 years.
Double Contrast Barium Enema – Barium and air is put into
the rectum and an x-ray is taken of the intestines. This
helps to show any abnormalities. It is used to evaluate any
suspected disorders of the lower GI tract. It is
recommended every 5 years.
CT Scan (Computerized Axial Tomography) – This test creates
a cross-sectional view using x-rays. It is recommended
every 5 years.
Symptoms of colon cancer
There are local symptoms in the abdominal area, and
systemic symptoms throughout the body. Locally, there will
be a change in bowel habits like constipation, diarrhea, or
an alternation of both. There may be rectal bleeding or
blood in the stool. There may be abdominal cramping,
discomfort or bloating. You may have stools that are thinner
or the feeling that your bowel doesn’t completely empty.
Systemic symptoms occur because the tumor has grown
deeper into the tissues or spreads. There may be
unexplained weight loss, unexplained loss of appetite,
nausea/vomiting, unexplained anemia, yellow jaundice, or
extreme weakness and fatigue.
Risk factors
With the risks being so high of developing colorectal
cancer, how can you protect yourself? There is no real
cause known, but we look at risk factors. Having a risk
factor doesn’t mean you will get colon cancer. It just
means that it increases your chances. The more risk factors
you have, you increase the odds of having an abnormal
colorectal examination.
Age is a big risk factor. There is a dramatic increase in
cancer after the age of 50. The highest incidence of
colorectal cancer is in African-Americans. Obesity
increases risk because body fat secretes pro-inflammatory
chemicals, which cause injury to the cells. Family history
of colon cancers increases risk. Diet is a major risk
factor. Diets very high in meats, especially red meats,
highly processed and grilled (barbequed) meats greatly
increase risk. Diets low in fiber also contribute.
Smokers are at major risk, as well as heavy drinkers. Other
chronic illnesses such as diabetes, inflammatory bowel
disease, and breast, ovarian, or uterine cancers also
increase risk.
If you have multiple risks, you must make sure you take
steps to modify that risk. You must be determined to get
your recommended screens, such as Hemoccult Tests, and one
of the scans I mentioned above. The earlier a cancer is
detected, the more successful treatment will be. |
