Since March is colorectal cancer awareness month, we would like to discuss ways to prevent colorectal cancer. Cancer of the colon and rectum is often called colorectal cancer. The colon and the rectum are part of the large intestine, which is part of the digestive system. Tumors found in the colon or rectum may be benign (non-cancerous) growths of tissue (polyps), or they may be cancerous growths of tissue that could spread to other parts of the body.

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. The number of new cases of colorectal cancer in the US has been decreasing slightly, and the number of deaths due to colorectal cancer has been decreasing. The risk of colorectal cancer tends to increase after age 40.

Colorectal cancer can often be associated with known risk factors for the disease. Many risk factors can be modifiable though not all can be avoided.

• Diet and Lifestyle: diets high in fat, protein, alcohol, and meat (both red and white) and low in calcium and folate are associated with colorectal cancer. Smoking has also been found to be a risk factor.
• Age: colorectal cancer is more likely to occur as people get older. It is most common in people over 50.
• Polyps: polyps are benign growths on the inner wall of the colon. Some types of polyps can be cancerous.
• Personal Medical History: research shows that women with a history of cancer of the uterus, ovary, or breast have an increased risk.
• Family Medical History: first degree relatives (parents, siblings, children) of a person who has colorectal cancer.
• History of Ulcerative Colitis: this is a condition where the lining of the colon becomes inflamed. Someone with this condition is at risk for developing colorectal cancer due to the constant irritation of the bowel.

• Early detection and removal of polyps, especially if you have a family history of polyps or colorectal cancer. This includes a yearly physical that includes a digital rectal exam, a fecal occult blood test, and if necessary, a colonoscopy.
• Recognizing the symptoms:
  • Change in bowel habits
  • Diarrhea, constipation, or a feeling that the bowel is not emptying completely
  • Blood in the stool
  • Stools that are narrower than usual
  • Abdominal pain, excessive gas, bloating
  • Weight loss with no known reason
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea and vomiting
• A diet low in fat and high in fiber
• Smoking cessation
• NSAIDS: studies have shown that the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents may be associated with a decreased risk of colorectal cancer