Texas Oncology urges Texans to encourage friends and loved ones to go for a routine colorectal cancer screening. Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cancer killer of men and women combined in the United States, and it was estimated to have claimed 3,230 Texans in 2011.
Colorectal
Colon and rectal cancers occur with equal frequency in both genders. It is vital that both men and women age 50 and over and those with increased risk factors be screened regularly for this deadly disease.
Colorectal
Besides age and race, other risk factors for colorectal cancer include:
Diet: A lower chance of being diagnosed with colorectal cancer is a good reason to stay in shape. Overweight and obese people have a higher risk of developing the disease.
Cancer
Lynch Syndrome: This inherited condition affecting the body’s genes increases the likelihood of a colorectal cancer diagnosis. In many cases, the disease occurs before age 45. Texas Oncology has genetic testing available at some locations to determine if patients have the gene mutation associated with Lynch Syndrome.
Other Health Problems: Diabetics and people who have a history of polyps and inflammatory bowel disease also have an increased risk of colorectal cancer.
SCREENING TYPES
Screening tests for colorectal cancer are not as difficult as many people perceive them to be. In fact, most patients tolerate the screenings very well. Physicians can recommend several different screening tests for cancer. Among them, a Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) or Fecal Immunochemical Test checks for blood in the stool. Another option is a sigmoidoscopy. During this procedure, a physician uses a tube with a light connected to a tiny video camera to analyze the rectum and lower part of the colon.
Everyone over age 50 should make routine cancer screenings a priority in order to kick cancer before it strikes or catch it early when it’s most treatable. For more information aboutcancer or screenings, visit www.TexasOncology.com.
By Marcelo Boek, M.D.