By BobbieJo Paul, Family Nurse Practitioner, ATI Active Care, Waukesha, Wisconsin
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosis in men and women in the US. The risk of a person developing colorectal cancer is about 1:20 or 5% with 90% of diagnoses being made in individuals over the age of 50. While the chance of being diagnosed with this cancer is still high the chances of surviving have improved over the past 20 years. It is believed the improved survival rates are because of awareness and screening.Therefore, know your risks and what you can do for your health.
Risk factors include:
- Age, 9 out of 10 diagnosed individuals were 50 or older
- Personal history of colorectal polyp or previous colorectal cancer
- Irritable Bowel Disease, including Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease
- Family history of Colorectal Cancer in a first degree relative (parent, sibling, child), or known family history of a specific gene mutation
- Race/Ethnicity, being African American or Jew of Eastern European descent
- Being a Type 2 Diabetic
- Lifestyle
Negative lifestyle factors:
- Diet high in red meat or processed meat
- Being physically inactive
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Heavy alcohol use
Screening test options include:
- Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) or Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT), done annually
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy, done every 5 years
- Colonoscopy, done every 10 years
- Double-Contrast barium enema, done every 5 years
- CT Colonoscopy (Virtual Colonoscopy), done every 5 years
Screening for colorectal cancer is recommended to start at age 50. Talk with your primary care provider to determine what screening is recommended for you. Lifestyle risk factors can be reduced now. Decrease amount of red and processed meats you eat. Add fruits and vegetables to your diet. Become physically active. Know your BMI; if you are overweight start a weight loss plan. Quit smoking and reduce alcohol intake.
You can find more information about Colon Cancer by visiting the American Cancer Society website at www.preventcancer.org/colorectal
ATI Active Care is a walk-in clinic, located at ATI’s Waukesha, WI clinic, that provides immediate care for non-emergency acute conditions, physicals, health screenings, preventive health and wellness programs. For more information contact BobbieJo Paul at bobbiejopaul@activatehealthcare.com or call (262) 574-2711.