Cancer Committee

Colon Cancer: Are You at Higher Risk?
Source: American Cancer Society, March 2003

If you are a man or a woman age 50 or older, you are at risk for colon cancer. And if you are a member of certain ethnic groups, your risk may be even greater.

And while colon cancer kills about 56,000 Americans each year, it can actually be prevented or cured with early detection testing. If detected early before it has spread, the five-year survival rate is about 90 percent, but only 39 percent of cases are found at this early stage.

Crossing Cultural Barriers
One group hit hardest by colon cancer is African Americans. They have the highest incidence and death rates of any ethnic group, but many don’t realize they are at risk at all.

Even though the use of colon screening tests among African Americans has increased – from 4 percent in 1987 to more than 39 percent in 2001 – the percentage of people being tested is still low. Like many people, African Americans often don’t go to the doctor because they don’t feel any symptoms. But colon cancer symptoms tend to show up only in the later stages of the disease, when it is less survivable. So it’s important to be tested even if you feel fine.

Another group greatly impacted by the disease is Hispanic/Latino Americans. In 2001, colon cancer became the third leading cause of cancer deaths among this group. And while they have lower incidence and death rates than other racial or ethnic groups in the US, statistics show this population is less likely to follow screening guidelines for the disease.

Economic, language, and cultural barriers all play a role in this trend. Things like medical costs and insurance issues, personal health priorities (worrying more about one’s family’s health than one’s own), not speaking or understanding English, and sometimes even a fear of doctors all contribute to illnesses going undetected during the early, most treatable stages.

Making the Most of Your Checkup
No matter what your background, start by calling your doctor. Visiting your doctor regularly and having an open dialogue about your cancer risk – what tests you need and when – is a great first step to staying healthy. And learning more about the disease before your doctor’s appointment can help you begin that dialogue. For more information on colon cancer risks and testing, contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 or www.cancer.org. Information and telephone assistance is available in Spanish and English.

Stop Colon Cancer Before It Starts
Have you heard a lot about colon cancer recently? Do you know what screening tests to ask your doctor about? Beginning at age 50 for men and women of average risk, the American Cancer Society recommends one of these five testing options for colon cancer:

• Yearly fecal occult blood test (FOBT)
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years
• Yearly FOBT and flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years (preferred over either option alone)
• Double contrast barium enema every five years
• Colonoscopy every 10 years

African Americans and people with a family history of the disease are at higher risk and should talk to their doctors about beginning testing earlier. For more information about colon cancer and how you can prevent it or stop it early, contact your American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 or www.cancer.org. If you or someone you love has been touched by this disease, we can help.

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You Can Stop Colon Cancer – Before It Starts
Source: American Cancer Society, March 2005

Colorectal cancer (commonly known as “colon cancer”) can be easily prevented; yet it remains the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States and will claim an estimated 56,290 American lives this year. You have the power to stop this disease. But how? First, it’s best to understand what it is and what you can do.

What It Is
Colon cancer develops in the colon or rectum, parts of the digestive tract. It almost always starts with a polyp – a small growth on the lining of the colon or rectum. Finding and removing polyps before they become cancerous can prevent colon cancer from developing.

What To Do

1. Know your risk – Most colon cancers are diagnosed in people 50 or older, so if you fall in this age group, you should begin regular screening. But it is important to talk with your doctor now to decide if you should begin getting tested earlier. Research indicates that African Americans are at a higher risk for developing colon cancer, as well as individuals with a personal or family history of colon cancer or polyps. Other genetic factors affect your risk too, such as hereditary colon cancer syndromes and inflammatory bowel disease.
   You can lower your risk for developing colon cancer by managing the habits you can control, such as activity, diet, and smoking. Physical activity is a critical factor in cancer prevention, in part because being active helps to maintain a healthful weight. Also, be sure to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grain foods and limit your intake of red meat. And if you smoke, here’s another reason to quit: Tobacco use raises your risk for colon cancer.

2. Talk to your doctor – Ask your doctor when you should begin testing and what is the best testing method for you. Make an appointment to discuss the issue, or bring it up during your next visit.
3. Get the test – Through testing, doctors can find polyps before they become cancerous. If pre-cancerous polyps are removed, colon cancer can be prevented. Getting tested could save your life.

In 2005, an estimated 145,290 people will be diagnosed with colon cancer. Take action and don’t be one of them. For tips on discussing colon cancer with your doctor, contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345.

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The Truth About Colon Cancer
Source: American Cancer Society, March 2005

Although public attention is good for raising awareness of the disease, it may sometimes be difficult to sort out fact from fiction. Here are some common misconceptions about colon cancer and the truth behind them:

• Fiction: Only men get colon cancer.
  Fact: Both men and women can develop colon cancer. This year, more than 145,000 men and women are expected to be diagnosed, and an estimated 56,300 will die from the disease.

• Fiction: Most people diagnosed with colon cancer are over 65.
  Fact: The American Cancer Society recommends beginning screening tests at age 50 because risk rises dramatically at age 50 and older. You should talk to your doctor about getting tested.

• Fiction: You don’t have to be tested for colon cancer until you have symptoms.
  Fact: Early colon cancer usually has no symptoms. Signs and symptoms typically occur only in advanced stages of the disease.

• Fiction: Colon cancer is a death sentence.
  Fact: When found early, colon cancer can be treated successfully. If colon cancer is found early and treated, the five-year survival rate is 90 percent. But currently, only 37 percent of cases are diagnosed at this early stage.

• Fiction: Colon cancer cannot be prevented.
  Fact: By getting tested, you may be able to prevent colon cancer. Most often colon cancer begins as a polyp. Get the polyp early and stop colon cancer before it starts. A low-fat diet, regular exercise, and avoiding tobacco use can also lower your risk of the disease.

• Fiction: African Americans are not at risk for colon cancer.
  Fact: African American men and women have higher rates of getting colon cancer and dying from the disease than men and women of other racial and ethnic groups.

For more information about colon cancer, contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 or www.cancer.org.

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Cancer Facts
Source: American Cancer Society, March 2005

• The American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life ® is about communities taking up the fight against cancer. More than two million people participated in last year’s activities in more than 3,300 communities. Will you join them this year? To find out about an event in your area, call 1-800-ACS-2345 or log on to www.cancer.org.

• Getting a head start on beating cancer can be as easy as having a conversation with your doctor. Different people have different screening needs, so talk with your doctor about your cancer risk and what tests are right for you. For more information, contact the American Cancer Society: 1-800-ACS-2345 or www.cancer.org.

• March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Find out if you are at risk for the disease and what you can do to prevent or detect it early by calling the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 or visiting www.cancer.org.

• Early detection can save lives from colon cancer. But many people don’t have access to testing. Tell your lawmakers that colon cancer screening is important to you. Join the American Cancer Society Action Network SM to help pass laws that make colon cancer screening more widely available and allocate more funding for colon cancer research. Call 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.

• There are steps you can take to reduce your risk for colon cancer. Talk to your doctor about your personal risk and testing options. For more information call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.

• Routine tests for colon cancer are now covered by Medicare and many other health insurance plans. Contact your personal health insurance carrier for more information. And don’t forget to talk with your doctor about which test is right for you. For more information call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.

• Colon cancer is the second-most deadly cancer in America. By getting tested, you can prevent or cure it. Call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org for questions to ask your doctor.

• It’s not just a man’s disease. More than 75,000 women are expected to be diagnosed with colon cancer this year. Talk with your doctor today about colon cancer. For more information call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.

• You can lower your risk for colon cancer with diet, physical activity, and quitting tobacco. Call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org for tips and support on living healthy.

• Have you or someone you know been diagnosed with colon cancer? The American Cancer Society offers support programs connecting cancer survivors with others facing the same experience. Call 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org for information on support in your area.

• Spread the word about how people can save their own lives by volunteering with the American Cancer Society in your community. Call 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org for opportunities in your area. You could save a life.

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