Understanding colorectal cancer
What you need to know about one of the most common cancers
COURIER L 20 IFE, MARCH 5-11, 2021
What are the risk factors for
colorectal cancer?
Age is a signifi cant risk factor for
colorectal cancer, as the CDC notes
that roughly 90 percent of cases occur
in men and women who are 50 or
older. In addition to age, a family history
of colorectal cancer or colorectal
polyps increases a person’s risk for the
disease. Infl ammatory bowel diseases
like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
also can increase a person’s risk of
developing colorectal cancer.
Those factors may be beyond individuals’
control, but the good news is
that there is strong evidence that doing
certain things can decrease the
risk of colorectal cancer. According
to the WCRF, researchers have linked
these behaviors with a decreased risk
of colorectal cancer:
• being physically active
• consuming whole grains
• consuming foods that contain dietary
fi ber
• consuming dairy products
It’s important to recognize that the
inverse of these behaviors (i.e., living
a sedentary lifestyle, not consuming
enough whole grains, etc.) can increase
a person’s risk of colorectal cancer.
The WCRF notes that consuming
red meat, consuming processed meat,
consuming alcohol, being overweight
or obese, and being tall have been
linked to an elevated risk of colorectal
cancer.
When to consider screening
The U.S. Preventive Services Task
Force recommends that adults between
the ages of 50 and 75 should be
screened for colorectal cancer. Adults
with a family history of the disease
or those with an infl ammatory bowel
disease may need to be tested prior to
turning 50.
Colorectal cancer is a signifi cant
threat, particularly for adults over 50.
Adults must recognize that threat and
discuss it with their physicians to reduce
their risk for this often preventable
disease.
— Metro Creative Connection
No one is immune to cancer. People
of all ages and from all walks
of life can be diagnosed with
cancer, though it’s important to recognize
the tireless efforts of researchers
whose work has done much to improve
survival rates for an assortment
of cancers.
The work of cancer researchers includes
efforts to fi nd treatments but
also to learn about the disease, including
its risk factors. Identifying the risk
factors for certain cancers, including
colorectal cancer, can help medical
professionals as they advise patients
on the best ways to reduce their risk
for this deadly, yet often preventable
disease.
The World Cancer Research Fund
notes that colorectal cancer is the
second most commonly occurring
cancer in women and the third most
commonly occurring cancer in men.
According to the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention, colorectal
cancer is the second leading cancer
killer in the United States.
Estimates from the Canadian Cancer
Society predicted that 9,700 Canadians
would lose their lives to colorectal
cancer in 2020, representing
12 percent of all cancer deaths in the
country.
What is colorectal cancer?
Sometimes referred to as colon cancer,
colorectal cancer is cancer that occurs
in the colon or rectum. The CDC
notes that abnormal growths called
polyps sometimes form in the colon
or rectum, and these polyps may grow
into cancer.
Why is screening so important?
Screening for colorectal cancer is
so important because it can fi nd polyps
and give doctors a chance to remove
them before they turn into cancer.
The World Cancer Research Fund notes that colorectal cancer is the second most commonly
occurring cancer in women and the third most commonly occurring cancer in men.
Metro Creative Connection
Health
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