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COLON
CANCER
 FACTS
ABOUT CANCER OF THE COLON AND RECTUM
The colon and rectum are made up of many
kinds of cells. Typically the cells divide in an orderly
way only as needed. When the cells keep diving in an
uncontrolled manner, a mass of tissue cells is created.
The mass is called a growth or tumor.
These
symptoms can also be caused by other problems- such
as ulcers, an inflamed colon, or hemorrhoids. Only a
doctor can determine the cause. People who have any
of these symptoms should see their doctor.
WHAT
TO DO PREVENT COLORECTAL CANCERS
Understanding those factors known to
increase one's risk for the disease is the first step
toward prevention. The following are risk factors for
this disease:
Polyps
- The experts say most, perhaps all, colorectal cancers
develop in polyps. Polyps are benign, but they may become
cancerous over time. Removing polyps is an important
way to prevent colorectal cancer.
Age-
Colorectal cancers occur most often in people who are
over the age of 50, and the risk increases as people
get older.
Family
history- Close relatives of a person who has had colorectal
cancer have a higher than average risk of developing
the disease.
Familial
polyposis- This is an inherited condition in which hundreds
of polyps develop in the colon and rectum. Over time,
these polyps can become cancerous. Unless treated, a
person with familial polyposis is almost sure to develop
colorectal cancer.
Diet-
The risk of developing colon cancer seems to be higher
in people whose diet is high in fat, low in fruits and
vegetables, and low in high-fiber foods such as whole-grain
breads and cereals.
Ulcerative
colitis- This disease causes inflammation of the lining
of the colon. The risk of colon cancer is much greater
than average and the risk increases with the length
of time the disease has been present.
WHAT
YOU CAN DO
See your physician for early warning
signs, follow screening guidelines. Removal of colorectal
polyps lowers your risk of cancer. Changing eating habits
to reduce the amount of fat in the diet and increase
the amount of fiber is considered prudent.
Especially avoid foods with saturated fats, those fats
primarily derived from animal fat. Minimizing, even
eliminating fried foods is an important step in reducing
your risks for cancer. The same strategies are important
risk reduction steps for reducing your risk for heart
disease. The National Cancer Institute recommends a
low-fat, high-fiber diet that includes at least five
servings of fruits and vegetables each day.
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