Staying Well for Week of 3/30/09

Colorectal Cancer
By Genesee County Health Department Staff
Colorectal cancer is cancer of the colon or rectum. Since colorectal cancer develops from polyps that can be removed before they become cancerous, it is preventable. There are several groups of people who are more at risk for developing colorectal cancer, including:
Men and women age 50 and older
People who use tobacco products, are obese and do not get physical activity
People with a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps
People with a history of inflammatory bowel disease

Individuals can reduce their risk of developing colorectal cancer by:
Exercising regularly
Maintaining a healthy weight
Eating a high-fiber diet
Getting enough calcium
Limiting the amount of red meat and processed meats eaten
Not smoking
Not drinking alcohol excessively.

Someone with a normal risk for colorectal cancer should begin receiving colorectal cancer screening at age 50. Individuals with risk factors for colorectal cancer may need to begin regular screening at an earlier age. The best time to get screened is before any symptoms appear. Screening tests for colorectal cancer include colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy, virtual colonoscopy (CT colonography), double-contrast barium enema, fecal occult blood test (FOBT), and a fecal immunochemical test (FIT).

If you have symptoms of colorectal cancer, you should talk to your health care provider. Symptoms include:
Rectal bleeding or blood in or on the stool
Change in bowel habits or stools that are narrower than usual
Bloating, fullness, cramps, or vomiting
Diarrhea, constipation or the feeling that the bowel does not empty completely
Weight loss for no apparent reason
Constant fatigue

For information on other important health topics, contact the Genesee County Health Department at (810) 257-3612 or visit us on the web at www.gchd.us.