Colorectal Cancer Prevention Through Regular Screening

Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer related deaths worldwide. In the United States, colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of death due to cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Yet, colorectal cancer can be prevented through regular screening.

What is colorectal cancer?

Colorectal cancer is a cancer that starts in the large intestine. Cancer occurring in the colon-the longest part of the large intestine-is called colon cancer. Likewise, a cancer that starts in the rectum-the last few inches of the large intestine-is called rectal cancer. The term colorectal cancer, however, is used interchangeably with colon or rectal cancer.

The condition affects men and women of any race. However, colorectal cancer is most common in people who are aged 50 or older. Most colorectal cancers start with a polyp or growth in the large intestine. In some cases, a person may have more than one polyp.

Sometimes, colorectal growths may be benign, meaning it is not cancer. However, in others, the polyps may already be cancer or can become a cancer in the future. These growths in the colon or rectum can develop slowly over long periods into colorectal cancer, according to Dr. Laura Seeff, Associate Director for the Office of Colorectal Cancer Programs in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)'s Division of Cancer Prevention and Control. "This very slow progression provides an excellent opportunity to screen for this disease," says Dr. Seeff.

The most common symptom of colorectal cancer is a sudden change in bowel habits. Sometimes, the polyp or early cancer may cause bleeding. But most cases of early colorectal cancer do not have easily recognizable symptoms.

If the condition advances to a fully grown colorectal cancer that it blocks passage of stool, it can cause symptoms such as abdominal bloating, having stools that are narrower than usual, unexplained weight loss and feeling tired all the time.

Getting Screened for Prevention of Colorectal Cancer

Experts recommend regular screening for colorectal cancer for people 50 years old and above, especially those with a family history of the disease. Likewise, it is recommended that it is essential to get screened before symptoms do occur. A polyp that has been found and removed can equate to a cancer prevented.

The good thing about getting screened early is that once a polyp has been found, it can be removed immediately during the time of screening. It is also less costly to remove a polyp or treat an early colorectal cancer than treating late-stage cancer that has spread.

People who have had a polyp may have recurrent polyps in the future. Experts recommend that these people need to undergo regular screening to prevent colorectal cancer.

To sum it all, it is more beneficial for people above 50 to have regular screening for colorectal cancer as treating a fully grown cancer is more expensive than preventive colorectal screening.

Sources:
What I need to know about Colon Polyps (November 2008). Retrieved on February 14, 2010 from http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/colonpolyps_ez/

Podcasts at CDC: Regular Screening Prevents Colorectal Cancer (September 2007). Retrieved on February 14, 2010 from http://www2c.cdc.gov/podcasts/player.asp?f=6707#transcript

What You Need To Know About™ Cancer of the Colon and Rectum (May 2006). Retrieved on February 14, 2010 from http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/wyntk/colon-and-rectal