Fewer people are dying from colorectal cancer, but it remains the third deadliest form of cancer in America.
According to the American Cancer Society, there will be about 108,070 new cases of colon cancer and 40,740 new cases of rectal cancer this year. Overall, the two will cause nearly 50,000 deaths.
Screenings for colon cancer play an important role in the steady decline of deaths caused by the disease.
"Colon cancer is one of the few cancers that is imminently preventable through screening," said Patrick Loehrer Sr., M.D., deputy director and medical director of the Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center.
He explained that colon cancer typically develops over a period of years in which abnormalities form into polyps. Cancer cells develop in the polyps.
During a colonoscopy – one of the screening options – a doctor is able to see the entire colon. If a polyp is found, it may be removed and tissue may be sent to the lab to see if any cancer is present. By removing a polyp, cancer cells can't develop.
Typically, a person should have a colon cancer screening done at age 50 if they are of average risk, according to the American Cancer Society. In addition to a colonoscopy, other screenings include: stool blood test (fecal occult blood test or FOBT), flexible sigmoidoscopy, or barium enema with air contrast. Talk with your physician about the pros and cons of each screening.
Physicians advise that individuals at an increased risk of colorectal cancer should begin screenings earlier and/or be screened more often. The ACS considers a person at increased risk if they have:
- a personal history of colorectal cancer
- a personal history of chronic inflammatory bowel disease
- a strong family history of colorectal cancer or polyps (cancer or polyps in a first-degree relative – parent, sibling, or child – younger than 60, or in two first-degree relatives of any age)
- a known family history of hereditary colorectal cancer symptoms
What are the symptoms of colon cancer?
Dr. Loehrer said some symptoms may include: