Colon Cancer

WHAT IS IT?

Colorectal cancer is cancer of the colon, rectum, anus, and appendix. It is when a polyp (growth) becomes cancerous in the bottom of the colon. It can be caused by a number of different factors.

Colorectal Cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Colon cancer is both highly avoidable and curable through preventative and curative measures. A healthy diet (low in red meat and fat and high in fruits, vegetables, fiber and calcium), exercise, drinking in moderation and avoiding tobacco are
the known elements help prevent colon cancer.

RISK FACTORS

People with the highest chances of being diagnosed with colorectal cancer are people that have a family history of colorectal cancer, people that smoke, drink, or have a diet full of red meat and fat.

PREVENTION

Colorectal cancer usually causes no symptoms in its early stages. It begins in a benign polyp that has existed in the colon for many years in its harmless state before changing to a cancer. Thus, most colorectal cancer can be prevented by removing the polyps before they become cancerous, by a procedure called colonoscopy.

To learn more about colon cancer, click here (PDF file).