Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Early diagnosis, though, can often lead to a complete cure.
Almost all colon cancers start in glands in the lining of the colon and rectum. When doctors talk about colorectal cancer, this is usually what they are talking about.
There is no single cause of colon cancer. Nearly all colon cancers begin as noncancerous (benign) polyps, which slowly develop into cancer.
You have a high risk of colon cancer if you:
- Are older than 60
- Are African American of eastern European descent
- Eat a a lot of red or processed meats
- Have colorectal polyps
- Have inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis)
- Have a family history of colon cancer
- Have a personal history of breast cancer
Certain inherited diseases also increase the risk of developing colon cancer. Two of the most common are:
- Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)
- Hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), also known as Lynch syndrome
What you eat may play a role in your risk of colon cancer. Colon cancer may be linked to a high-fat, low-fiber diet and to a high intake of red meat. Some studies, though, have found that the risk does not drop if you switch to a high-fiber diet, so this link is not yet clear.
Smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol are other risk factors for colorectal cancer.
I have young friends, who for what ever reason, seem to avoid the Fecal occult blood test-every 1-2 years or the sigmoidoscopy and even further the colonoscopy. The standard recommendations are 3-5 years for low to moderate risk and for a higher risk group this can be individualized by the practitioner.
Always thank you all for the overwhelming support!
In Gods Peace, Strength, and Courage
Bo Morris
No comments:
Post a Comment