Video: Colon Cancer Myths Dispelled!(0women die every year from colon cancer....),Health

Date:3/10/2008

0 women die every year from colon cancer. It is an equal opportunity disease that does not discriminate against gender or race. Your age, not your gender, is the single most important risk factor for colorectal cancer. Both men and women should undergo testing for the disease starting at age 50. Most insurance covers screening at age 50. If you are 65 or older, screening is covered by Medicare. For many people, you do not need a referral.

Myth: You don't need to be screened for colon cancer if you have regular bowel movements and are feeling fine

Colon cancer is a silent killer. Usually there are no symptoms to rely on, and when there are symptoms, the cancer may be at an advanced stage. When colon cancer is caught early, most people are cured. However, when colon cancer is detected at later stages, the chances for cure are much lower.

Although colon cancer often has no symptoms, warning signs that may indicate colon cancer include blood in your stools, narrower than normal stools, unexplained abdominal pain, unexplained change in bowel habits, unexplained anemia, and unexplained weight loss. These symptoms may be caused by other benign diseases such as hemorrhoids, inflammation in the colon or irritable bowel syndrome. If you have any of these symptoms, however, you should be evaluated by your physician.

There are certain behaviors that can increase or decrease your risk for colorectal cancer. A high fat diet, smoking and excessive alcohol intake may increase your risk of colorectal cancer. On the other hand, exercise and a healthy balanced diet containing certain minerals and vitamins might decrease your chances of getting colorectal cancer. However, there is no substitution for getting tested. Starting at age 50, everyone should be screened for colon cancer, regardless of their lifestyle. In fact, colonoscopy screening allows for the detection and removal of benign polyps or growths in the colon BEFORE cancer develops.

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SOURCE American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Copyright©2008 PR Newswire. All rights reserved

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