The Potentially Curable Cancer,
During 2001, an estimated 135,400 Americans were diagnosed with colorectal cancer (commonly referred to as "colon cancer") and 56,700 died from the disease. Colon cancer ranks as the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in American men and women, and the second leading cause of cancer deaths. While other cancers may be more commonly diagnosed and more frequently discussed in the media, colon cancer is actually more deadly than most. In fact, more people die from colon cancer than breast cancer or prostate cancer every year.

If detected and treated at an early stage, colon cancer has a five-year survival rate of approximately 90%. Sadly, less than 40% of cases are detected at this early, most treatable stage. Why? Many reasons. According to a recent Roper Starch survey, only 19% of adults between the ages of 50 and 74 (who have not been diagnosed with colon cancer) recognize the disease as a serious threat. Sometimes people don't get tested because they are embarrassed to talk about this part of their body, or they fear the tests may be uncomfortable, or they simply don't know how crucial testing is.

A common misperception is that only men get colon cancer. But colon cancer is not a "man's disease"; in fact, more women than men get colon cancer. It is critical that everyone - women and men - talk to their doctors about when they should get tested, especially people 50 or older or those with a higher risk for the disease. Doctors can find growths on the inner wall of the colon known as polyps and remove them before they become cancerous - preventing colon cancer before it even starts! And remember: Even if the cancer is already present, there is a much greater chance of curing it if it's found in an early stage.

Precautions You Can Take
Most people diagnosed with colon cancer are 50 or older, but personal risk for the disease varies. African Americans have a higher risk for the disease. And a family history of colon cancer or colorectal syndrome (such as Gardner's syndrome) can increase your risk. So can a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease. These are genetic and medical factors you can't change; but the good news is that there are things you can do to reduce your chances of getting colon cancer:


Eat right for life! Eat mostly fruits and vegetables; keep your fat intake to less than 30% of your total calories; avoid foods high in cholesterol; and limit alcohol intake.
Watch your weight. Studies show that maintaining a healthful body weight decreases cancer risk. And since we all know staying physically active is good for us, this is one more reason to get moving.
If you smoke or use other tobacco products, quit. A higher risk for colon cancer makes this habit even more dangerous.

Screening Options
The early stages of colon cancer are often symptom-free. So getting regular exams can literally save your life. For all men and women, the American Cancer Society recommends one of these five testing options beginning at age 50:


Yearly fecal occult blood test (FOBT)
Flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years
Yearly FOBT and flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years (preferred over either option alone)
Double contrast barium enema every five years
Colonoscopy every 10 years

Discuss these options with your doctor to determine the best testing method for you. Your doctor can also help you make an informed decision on whether your personal risk warrants testing before age 50. Discussing your bodily functions might not be the easiest thing to do, but don't be embarrassed. Health care professionals are specially trained to answer your questions honestly and without judgment.

Remember, this potentially deadly disease strikes both men and women, but it is PREVENTABLE (and highly curable if found in an early stage). So - Get the test. Get the polyp. Get the cure.

All statistics are from the American Cancer Society

Colon Cancer Detection & Prevention
Cancer.org
American Gastroenterological Association
Colon Cancer Alliance
National Cancer Institute