Knowledge Is the Key to Colorectal Cancer
Test your knowledge of colorectal cancer by taking the following quiz.
1. Colorectal cancer—cancer of the colon or rectum—is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States.
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Only lung cancer kills more Americans. The American Cancer Society estimates that about 141,000 people are diagnosed with colorectal cancer each year and about 49,000 people die of this cancer annually in the United States.
2. Colorectal cancer strikes older adults more frequently than those younger than 65.
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But recent research points to the need for screening at an earlier age as a preventive step. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that anyone age 50 or older have regular screenings for colorectal cancer. The screenings can find and remove small precancerous growths called polyps.
3. Colorectal cancer can develop with few or no symptoms.
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At first, colorectal cancer has few or no symptoms. That’s why it’s so important to get regular screenings, the CDC says. Symptoms can include blood in or on the stool; a change in bowel habits; stools that are narrower than usual; general stomach discomfort; frequent gas or pains; and weight loss. See your doctor if you notice any of these symptoms.
4. Colorectal cancer can develop anywhere in the large intestine, which includes the colon and rectum.
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The majority of colorectal cancers develop first as polyps, the CDC says. Colorectal polyps are tiny growths inside the colon or rectum that may become cancerous.
5. A family history of the disease puts you at greater risk for developing colorectal cancer yourself.
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Other risk factors are increased age (more common in those 50 and older); a personal history of colorectal polyps or cancer; being African-American; certain diseases of the bowels; obesity; a diet high in red meats; physical inactivity; heavy alcohol use; and smoking.
6. A colonoscopy is the only test available for colorectal cancer screening.
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Several tests are available:
- Fecal occult blood test and fecal immunochemical test, which check for blood in the stool.
- Sigmoidoscopy, an exam that looks at the inside of the rectum and lower portion of the colon through a lighted tube. The doctor may collect samples of tissue or cells for closer examination.
- Colonoscopy, an exam that looks at the inside of the entire colon through a flexible, lighted instrument called a colonoscope. The doctor may collect samples of tissue or cells for closer examination.
- Double contrast barium enema, a procedure that involves X-rays of the large intestine taken after a patient is given an enema containing a white dye, or barium, followed by an injection of air. The barium outlines the intestine on the X-ray film.
- Virtual colonoscopy, a detailed CT scan of the colon and rectum.
- Stool DNA test, a test that looks for specific gene changes in cells in the stool that might indicate cancer.
7. A regular exercise routine can help reduce your risk of developing colorectal cancer.
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Researchers have found that people who lead a sedentary lifestyle have a higher risk for colorectal cancer. Getting at least 30 minutes of moderate or vigorous physical activity on five or more days a week may lower your risk. Moderate or vigorous activity for at least 45 minutes on five or more days a week may lower your risk even more.
8. Keeping your weight under control can help reduce your risk of developing colorectal cancer.
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Obesity, like a sedentary lifestyle, appears to increase the risk for colorectal cancer. Getting to and maintaining a healthy weight, by eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise, may lower your risk for colorectal cancer.
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