ANDREWS AFB, Md. –
Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Colon cancer is unfortunately a common health problem in the United States. Approximately 153,000 new cases of colon cancer are diagnosed each year and more than 52,000 Americans die from it each year.
The good news is colon cancer is one of the most curable forms of cancer. When detected early, more than 90 percent of patients can be cured. The key to preventing colon cancer is early detection of polyps and removing them before they grow into cancer.
The colon, or large intestine, is a segment of the gastrointestinal system that connects the small intestine to the rectum. Colon cancer can occur anywhere along the length of the colon, which is usually about five feet long in an adult.
Colon cancer begins in the cells that line the inside of the colon. Sometimes these cells multiply without control and grow into polyps. In the beginning, these polyps are small pea sized fleshy growths in the lining of the colon. Over time, usually several years, the polyps continue to grow larger and may become malignant or cancerous. The larger the polyp, the more likely it is to contain cancer cells.
In some people, hereditary factors play a major role in the development of polyps and cancer. People can inherit abnormal genes from their family which increases their risk for colon polyps and cancer. Another risk factor for colon cancer is having diseases such as ulcerative colitis and crohn's disease. Lastly, a person's diet may also increase their risk for developing cancer. Diets rich in fruits and vegetables seem to be beneficial in reducing the risk for colon cancer. Some studies have shown that people who get 1500mg of calcium per day in their diet develop less colon cancer. A diet high in saturated fats, found in meats and processed foods, has also been linked to colon cancer.
Colon cancer screening is recommended at age 50; unless you have a family history of colon cancer- then it should be started at age 40. In fact more than 90 percent of cases occur after the age of 50. Symptoms of colon cancer include blood in the stools, abdominal pain, weakness, and unexplained weight loss.
There are five different options or screening tests for colon cancer. The first option is the fecal occult blood test. It detects hidden blood, which polyps and cancer may shed, in the stools using a chemical reaction. The second option is flexible sigmoidoscopy. This is a scope procedure that only looks at about half of the colon to detect polyps and cancer. Another option is a barium enema. This is an x-ray exam where barium contrast is inserted into the colon and the shadows of polyps or cancer can be seen. The next option, colonoscopy, is one that is performed more commonly in the United States. The colonoscopy is a scope procedure that examines the entire colon. The major advantages with this procedure are polyps can be removed, and patients are sedated during the procedure. All of which are offered at Malcolm Grow Medical Center. Recently, a new screening test is available called virtual colonoscopy. This is an x-ray study using a sophisticated scanner to take detailed pictures of the colon looking for polyps and cancer. Virtual colonoscopy is performed at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and National Naval Medical Center.
Cancer of the colon is a serious, but readily preventable malignancy. Early detection promises a particularly high chance of cure. The essential first step involves action by the patient and their primary care doctors to initiate screening. Ask your doctor for a referral to the Gastroenterology clinic for more information about our colon cancer screening classes.