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"Work in Progress" Newsletter
Myths and Realities
About Colorectal Cancer
Myth
There is nothing I can do about getting colorectal cancer.
Reality
Colorectal cancer may be preventable. Exercise may reduce your risk of developing the disease. A diet low in fat — especially animal fat — and high in fruits and vegetables may help. Take a multi-vitamin with folic acid, calcium and vitamin D. Don’t smoke
and drink only in moderation, if at all. After age 50, get screened. Screening methods can detect colorectal cancer early or
before it begins.
Myth
Colorectal cancer is usually fatal.
Reality
Colorectal cancer is usually curable when detected early.
Ninety-one percent of patients with localized colorectal cancer confined to the colon or rectum are alive five years after diagnosis.
Myth
Colorectal cancer is a disease of only older, white men.
Reality
An equal number of women and men get colorectal cancer. An estimated 67,000 women and 62,000 men will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer this year. African-Americans are more likely to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer and die from the disease.
Myth
Screening is necessary for individuals who have symptoms.
Reality
Since symptoms of colorectal cancer are often silent, it is important to obtain regular screenings. Screenings test for a disease even if the
patient has no symptoms. Men and women who are 50 or older should
get screened regularly for colorectal cancer. About 75 percent of
all new cases of colorectal cancer occur in individuals with no
known risk factors for the disease, other than being 50 or older. If
you have a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or
polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, or ovarian, endometrial or
breast cancer you may need to be screened before age 50. Talk with
your doctor or health professional.
Source: Information provided by the Cancer Research Foundation of America, Founders of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.
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