Colorectal Cancer

1. Colorectal Cancer

2. What Is Colorectal Cancer? • Colorectal cancer is the thirdmost common cancer in menand women. • It begins in either the colon or rectum, which are both part of the digestive system (where food is processed). Colorectal Cancer

3. The American Cancer Society’s Estimates • In the United States during 2010: • 142,570 new cases of colon & rectal cancer will be diagnosed, including • In Georgia, the number of new cases is 3,840. • 51,370 deaths will occur as the result of colorectal cancer • 1430 deaths will occur in the state of Georgia. Colorectal Cancer

4. Who Is At Risk? • Two factors greatly influence the risk of developing colorectal cancer: • 1. Age Over 90% of colorectal cancers are diagnosed in people over age 50. • 2. Racial or Ethnic Background • Gender does not appear tobe a risk factor. Men andwomen are similarly affected. African Americans have the highest rates of colorectal cancer of all racial or ethnic groups in US. Ashkenazi Jews have a higher rate of colon cancer. Colorectal Cancer

5. Other Risk Factors • Other factors that increase risk include: • A personal history of colorectal polyps, previously treated colorectal cancer, or inflammatory bowel disease • Being physically inactive • Eating a diet high in fat (especially from red meat) • Obesity • Smoking • Alcohol use • Eating a diet low in fruits and vegetables • Having a family history of colorectal cancers, certain other cancers, and benign colon polyps (Fewer than 10% of colorectal cancers are caused by inherited gene mutations.) Colorectal Cancer

6. Reducing Your Risk • Early detection can help find and remove pre-cancerous polyps (tissue growths). • It also appears that the following behaviors may reduce risks: • Regular physical activity • Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain foods • Limiting high-fat foods, especially red meat and processed meats Colorectal Cancer

7. Symptoms • Warning signs include: • Rectal bleeding • Blood in the stool • Change in bowel habits • Cramping pain in the lower abdomen • These are also warning signs for other, less serious illnesses, so if they appear, they should be discussed with a doctor. Colorectal Cancer

8. Detection • Colorectal cancers can almost always becured if detected early. • People of average risk with no symptoms shouldbegin regular screeningat age 50. • People at increasedrisk should be screened earlierand more often. Colorectal Cancer

9. Detection Methods • Methods for detecting colorectal cancer include: • Fecal occult blood test (FOBT) or fecal immunochemical test (FIT) – Tests for hidden blood in the stool. • Flexible sigmoidoscopy – A doctor looks inside the rectum and the lower part of the colon (sigmoid colon) through a lighted tube. • Double-contrast barium enema – X-rays are taken after the patient is given a barium enema. Barium helps to outline the intestines on the x-rays. • Colonoscopy –A doctor exams the colon using a flexible, lighted instrument called a colonoscope. Colorectal Cancer

10. The American Cancer Society’s Screening Recommendations • Starting at age 50, people of average risk with no symptoms should follow 1 of 5 screening options: • 1. Yearly fecal occult blood test (FOBT) or fecal immunochemical test (FIT), or • 2. Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years, or • 3. Yearly FOBT and flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years*, or • 4. Double-contrast barium enema every 5 years, or • 5. Colonoscopy every 10 years. • *Of the first 3 options, the American CancerSociety prefers yearly FOBT and flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years (#3) over eithertest alone (#1 or #2). Colorectal Cancer

11. Survival Rates • 5-year relative survival rate for localized disease is 90% • Localized cancer is cancer that, at the time of diagnosis, had not spread to additional sites within the body. Typically, the earlier a cancer is detected and diagnosed, the more successful the treatment, thus enhancing the survival rate. Colorectal Cancer

12. The Bottom Line • Screening tests offer a powerful opportunity for the prevention, early detection, and successful treatment of colorectal cancers. • People can reduce their risk by following screening guidelines; eating a healthy, low-fat diet; and increasing their level of physical activity. Colorectal Cancer

13. Contact The American Cancer Society • American Cancer Society programs and services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. • To reach us: • Visit the American Cancer Society Internet site at www.cancer.org. • Call toll-free, 1–800–ACS–2345. Colorectal Cancer

14. Additional Resources National Cancer InstituteCancer Information Service Telephone: 1–800–4–CANCER (toll free)Internet: www.nci.nih.gov American Gastroenterological AssociationTelephone: 301–654–2055Internet: www.gastro.org Colon Cancer AllianceTelephone: 1–877–422–2030 (toll free)Internet: www.ccalliance.org United Ostomy AssociationTelephone: 1–800–826–0826 (toll free) or 714–660–8624Internet: www.uoa.org Colorectal Cancer