AM I AT RISK FOR COLORECTAL CANCER?

Colorectal cancer is a form of cancer that develops in the colon (the longest part of the long intestine) or the rectum (the last several inches of the long intestine) or both. Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer related deaths in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society; this despite the fact that, in almost all cases, early detection can lead to a complete cure. Colon cancer often goes undetected because it is often symptomless until the end stages of the disease. Knowing the risks for colorectal cancer and going for regular screenings is the best way to arm yourself in the battle against this type of cancer.

You have a higher risk of colorectal cancer if your diet is high in fat and red meat and low in fiber. Also the presence of colorectal polyps, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, other types of cancers in the body, a family history of colorectal cancer and a personal history of breast cancer increase your risk for colorectal cancer.

Early detection through regular screenings is the key to battling colorectal cancer. All individuals over the age of 40 should have yearly digital examinations of the rectum and a stool test for hidden blood. In this case digital means finger. A physician will use his finger to examine the rectum internally. The test for occult (hidden) blood in the stool is simple. A stool sample is sent to a lab and chemically tested for the presence of blood (If blood is visible to the naked eye in the stool that is often an indication that the cancer is advanced). If blood is found through occult testing it offers greater prognosis for survival.

Arm yourself in the battle against colorectal cancer; see your doctor regularly for a colorectal exam.