Do you know what the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. is?  Colorectal cancer - which is a very preventable disease.  Many people are not aware that screenings for this disease could save thousands of lives each year.  Unfortunately, these tests are not used as often as they could be.

It is thought that colorectal cancers take many years to develop, usually starting as a pre-cancerous polyp in the color or rectum.  Because they tend to take such a long time to develop, there is time to detect the growths and remove them before they become troublesome.  This is why colorectal cancer is a very preventable disease.

Steps To Take - Early Detection

As with all cancers, early detection is the key to survival.  The earlier you can detect a cancer, the better your chances of survival.  Colorectal cancer screenings can find most polyps before they become cancerous.  Removing the growths actually prevents cancer from occurring.  You can prevent this cancer or detect it early enough to remove it by using one of these procedures:

A Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) is a very simple procedure that you can do at your home.  This procedure checks for hidden blood in the stool sample which can be a sign of cancer or polyps or some other disorder.

A Sigmoidoscopy allows doctors to see about one third of the entire length of the colon.  A small, flexible, hollow, lighted tube is used to detect cancer or polyps inside the rectum and lower colon.

A Colonoscopy is similar to a sigmoidoscopy, except it allows doctors to see along the entire length of the colon.

A double-contrast barium enema is an x-ray procedure that allows the doctor to see the entire colon.

Symptoms and Risk Factors

If you have symptoms such as persistent stomach cramps, rectal bleeding or sudden change in bowel habits - see your doctor very soon.  Risk factors for colorectal cancer are higher for people who have already had colorectal cancer or polyps, or for those who have inflammatory bowel disease like an ulcerative colitis.  Also, those who have a close blood relative who has had colorectal cancer or polyps.  If you have these risk factors, you may need to have the screening tests done more frequently.  Please visit with your doctor about your potential risk factors.

If doctors discover a polyp or other abnormality, then they will take a small tissue sample for examination.  If cancer is found, then surgery is often the next step.  Sometimes surgery will be combined with radiation therapy and chemotherapy was one of the most effective treatment methods.

Summary

Almost all colorectal cancers start as a polyp that grows into a cancerous tumor.  When polyps are discovered in the early stages (before they become cancerous), they can be surgically removed before cancer develops.  Because colorectal cancer usually takes such a long time to develop, it is considered a preventable cancer.  The key to success is early detection.  Also, eating a good low fat diet with an emphasis on fresh fruits and vegetables may also help to lower your risk of colorectal cancer.

Early detection is the key to winning the battle against all cancers - especially colorectal cancer.  Visit with your doctor and plan to have regular screenings.