What You Need to Know About Colorectal Cancer at 40
Posted: 2007-03-28 15:02:44
By Chasity Johnson, BlackDoctor.org
African American women have a higher risk of dying from colorectal cancer than any other women from any race or ethnicity and it is third most common cancer among all African Americans, but it is the least discussed. An estimated 14,100 cases are expected to occur among the population per year. Of these, an estimated 6,800 deaths will result. Lack of conversation and awareness about colorectal cancer can be disadvantageous to African Americans because this cancer can be treated and possibly avoided with preventative medical measures. Of the 14,100 cases, 90 percent of colorectal cancers and deaths are thought to have been preventable with early detection. As National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month comes to a close, BlackDoctor.org has decided end our series by reiterating the importance of screenings and preventative health measures, as they relate to colorectal cancer.
What exactly is colorectal cancer? Colorectal cancer is the term used to refer to cancer that develops in the colon and/or rectum. In most cases, colorectal cancer develops unnoticeably over years. The top ten later signs of this cancer are as follows:
1. Blood in or on the stool (either bright red or very dark in color)
2. A persistent change in normal bowel habits such as diarrhea, constipation or both for no apparent reason
3. Frequent or constant cramps if they last more than a few days
4. Stools that are narrower than usual
5. General stomach discomfort (bloating, fullness and/or cramps)
6. Frequent gas pains
7. A strong and continuing need to move your bowels, but with little stool
8. A feeling that the bowel does not empty completely
9. Weight loss for no known reason
10. Constant tiredness
In most cases these signs are not present until the cancer has fully developed. Many people with colorectal cancer have never experienced any of these symptoms.
African American women have a higher risk of dying from colorectal cancer than any other women from any race or ethnicity and it is third most common cancer among all African Americans, but it is the least discussed. An estimated 14,100 cases are expected to occur among the population per year. Of these, an estimated 6,800 deaths will result. Lack of conversation and awareness about colorectal cancer can be disadvantageous to African Americans because this cancer can be treated and possibly avoided with preventative medical measures. Of the 14,100 cases, 90 percent of colorectal cancers and deaths are thought to have been preventable with early detection. As National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month comes to a close, BlackDoctor.org has decided end our series by reiterating the importance of screenings and preventative health measures, as they relate to colorectal cancer.
What exactly is colorectal cancer? Colorectal cancer is the term used to refer to cancer that develops in the colon and/or rectum. In most cases, colorectal cancer develops unnoticeably over years. The top ten later signs of this cancer are as follows:
1. Blood in or on the stool (either bright red or very dark in color)
2. A persistent change in normal bowel habits such as diarrhea, constipation or both for no apparent reason
3. Frequent or constant cramps if they last more than a few days
4. Stools that are narrower than usual
5. General stomach discomfort (bloating, fullness and/or cramps)
6. Frequent gas pains
7. A strong and continuing need to move your bowels, but with little stool
8. A feeling that the bowel does not empty completely
9. Weight loss for no known reason
10. Constant tiredness
In most cases these signs are not present until the cancer has fully developed. Many people with colorectal cancer have never experienced any of these symptoms.
One of the first warning signs is usually a growth of tissue or a tumor on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. These growths are called polyps. All polyps are not malignant or cancer causing, but certain types called adenomatous polyps or adenomas have the potential to become cancerous. These polyps - whether they are malignant or begin (not cancerous) - usually go unnoticed by their carrier; therefore, one of the only ways to detect them are through routine screenings.
In past studies, practitioners have suggested people begin routine screenings for colorectal cancer at 50 because the majority of the people diagnosed are above this age, but recent studies suggest African Americans should begin screenings at 45. The American College of Gastroenterology have issued new recommendations to healthcare providers to begin colorectal cancer screening in African Americans at age 45 because African Americans are generally diagnosed at younger ages than Caucasians.
In order to fully examine the different preventative measures that can be used to detect and prevent colorectal cancer, BlackDoctor.org recently discussed this type of cancer and the different methods of preventative techniques and screenings with Dr. Jacqueline Stiff. Dr. Stiff is the Vice President and Chief Medical Officer for UnitedHealthcare- Colorado & New Mexico. She also holds clinical faculty positions with the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center Pediatric and Preventive Medicine and Biometrics departments, respectively.
Dr. Stiff feels, "There may be a stigma about discussing colorectal cancer in the African American community." Because of this she feels that a campaign for colorectal cancer should be implemented in order to bring the same kind of attention to this type of cancer that is being brought to breast cancer. Discussion about colorectal cancer not only with the community, but also with family members can be extremely beneficial to the fight against this cancer. It is important to find out if colorectal cancer or any other cancer runs in the family. If cancer is prevalent in your family Dr. Stiff suggests being screened at an earlier age.
Dr. Stiff is enthusiastic about the advancements that have been made in medicine as it relates to colorectal cancer, like the screenings. She explained that the discovery of possible cancer causing polyps is one of the key factors to prevention, but she reiterates these discoveries can only come with screenings.
The following are a few of the types of recommended screening tests:
Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT): This test checks for occult (hidden) blood in the stool. At home, you place a small amount of your stool from three consecutive bowel movements on test cards. You return the cards to your doctor's office or to a lab where they're checked for blood. This test is recommended yearly. If blood is found, you likely will need a follow-up colonoscopy
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: Before this test, you use a strong laxative and/or enema to clean out the colon. Flexible sigmoidoscopy is conducted at the doctor's office, in a clinic or at a hospital. The doctor (or other specially trained healthcare professional) uses a narrow, flexible, lighted tube to look at the inside of the rectum and the lower portion of the colon. During the exam, the doctor may remove polyps (abnormal growths) and collect samples of tissue or cells for closer examination. This test is recommended every five years. If polyps are found, you will need a follow-up colonoscopy.
Combination of FOBT and Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: Some doctors recommend having both the FOBT and flexible sigmoidoscopy to increase the chance of finding polyps (abnormal growths) and cancers. When used in combination, FOBT is recommended yearly and flexible sigmoidoscopy is recommended every five years.
Colonoscopy: Before this test, you will take a strong laxative to clean out the colon. Colonoscopy is conducted in a doctor's office, in a clinic or at a hospital. You are given a sedative to make you more comfortable, while the doctor uses a narrow, flexible, lighted tube to look at the inside of the rectum and the entire colon. This test is similar to flexible sigmoidoscopy, except that the tube used is longer and allows the doctor to see the entire colon. During the exam, the doctor may remove polyps (abnormal growths) and collect samples of tissue or cells for closer examination. This test is recommended every 10 years. Colonoscopy is also used as a follow-up test if anything unusual is found during one of the other screening tests.
Double-Contrast Barium Enema: This test is conducted in a radiology center or at a hospital. Before the test, you use a strong laxative and/or enema to clean out the colon. For this procedure, you are given an enema with a barium solution, followed by an injection of air. An X-ray of the rectum and colon is then taken. The barium coats the lining of the intestines so that polyps and other abnormalities are visible on the X-ray. This test is recommended every five years. If polyps are found, you will need a follow-up colonoscopy.
If you have already been screened for colorectal cancer and your doctor did not notice any significant findings it does not mean your quest for freedom from this cancer is over. Dr. Stiff- an advocate for preventative health measures- emphasizes taking precautions to lower your risks of developing it. She suggests not smoking and quitting if you do. It is a common known fact that smoking is connected to lung cancer, but it is a little known fact that tobacco is connected to colorectal cancer. She also suggests increasing your physical activity, loosing weight - if you are overweight - and increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables. Studies show that people with diets high in fruits and vegetables have a lesser chance of developing cancer than those who don't.
In closing, remember that it is extremely important to get screened. Don't wait until you start to notice symptoms and don't be afraid to discuss this with your family, friends and colleagues. After you get screened and incorporate preventative measures into your lifestyle encourage them to do the same. Remember, screenings can be the difference between having cancer and not having cancer.
This article is provided courtesy of BlackDoctor.org.
In order to fully examine the different preventative measures that can be used to detect and prevent colorectal cancer, BlackDoctor.org recently discussed this type of cancer and the different methods of preventative techniques and screenings with Dr. Jacqueline Stiff. Dr. Stiff is the Vice President and Chief Medical Officer for UnitedHealthcare- Colorado & New Mexico. She also holds clinical faculty positions with the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center Pediatric and Preventive Medicine and Biometrics departments, respectively.
Dr. Stiff feels, "There may be a stigma about discussing colorectal cancer in the African American community." Because of this she feels that a campaign for colorectal cancer should be implemented in order to bring the same kind of attention to this type of cancer that is being brought to breast cancer. Discussion about colorectal cancer not only with the community, but also with family members can be extremely beneficial to the fight against this cancer. It is important to find out if colorectal cancer or any other cancer runs in the family. If cancer is prevalent in your family Dr. Stiff suggests being screened at an earlier age.
Dr. Stiff is enthusiastic about the advancements that have been made in medicine as it relates to colorectal cancer, like the screenings. She explained that the discovery of possible cancer causing polyps is one of the key factors to prevention, but she reiterates these discoveries can only come with screenings.
The following are a few of the types of recommended screening tests:
Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT): This test checks for occult (hidden) blood in the stool. At home, you place a small amount of your stool from three consecutive bowel movements on test cards. You return the cards to your doctor's office or to a lab where they're checked for blood. This test is recommended yearly. If blood is found, you likely will need a follow-up colonoscopy
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: Before this test, you use a strong laxative and/or enema to clean out the colon. Flexible sigmoidoscopy is conducted at the doctor's office, in a clinic or at a hospital. The doctor (or other specially trained healthcare professional) uses a narrow, flexible, lighted tube to look at the inside of the rectum and the lower portion of the colon. During the exam, the doctor may remove polyps (abnormal growths) and collect samples of tissue or cells for closer examination. This test is recommended every five years. If polyps are found, you will need a follow-up colonoscopy.
Combination of FOBT and Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: Some doctors recommend having both the FOBT and flexible sigmoidoscopy to increase the chance of finding polyps (abnormal growths) and cancers. When used in combination, FOBT is recommended yearly and flexible sigmoidoscopy is recommended every five years.
Colonoscopy: Before this test, you will take a strong laxative to clean out the colon. Colonoscopy is conducted in a doctor's office, in a clinic or at a hospital. You are given a sedative to make you more comfortable, while the doctor uses a narrow, flexible, lighted tube to look at the inside of the rectum and the entire colon. This test is similar to flexible sigmoidoscopy, except that the tube used is longer and allows the doctor to see the entire colon. During the exam, the doctor may remove polyps (abnormal growths) and collect samples of tissue or cells for closer examination. This test is recommended every 10 years. Colonoscopy is also used as a follow-up test if anything unusual is found during one of the other screening tests.
Double-Contrast Barium Enema: This test is conducted in a radiology center or at a hospital. Before the test, you use a strong laxative and/or enema to clean out the colon. For this procedure, you are given an enema with a barium solution, followed by an injection of air. An X-ray of the rectum and colon is then taken. The barium coats the lining of the intestines so that polyps and other abnormalities are visible on the X-ray. This test is recommended every five years. If polyps are found, you will need a follow-up colonoscopy.
If you have already been screened for colorectal cancer and your doctor did not notice any significant findings it does not mean your quest for freedom from this cancer is over. Dr. Stiff- an advocate for preventative health measures- emphasizes taking precautions to lower your risks of developing it. She suggests not smoking and quitting if you do. It is a common known fact that smoking is connected to lung cancer, but it is a little known fact that tobacco is connected to colorectal cancer. She also suggests increasing your physical activity, loosing weight - if you are overweight - and increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables. Studies show that people with diets high in fruits and vegetables have a lesser chance of developing cancer than those who don't.
In closing, remember that it is extremely important to get screened. Don't wait until you start to notice symptoms and don't be afraid to discuss this with your family, friends and colleagues. After you get screened and incorporate preventative measures into your lifestyle encourage them to do the same. Remember, screenings can be the difference between having cancer and not having cancer.
This article is provided courtesy of BlackDoctor.org.
2006-07-12 15:20:51
