COLON CANCER AWARENESS

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosis in both men and women in the United States. The American Cancer Society’s estimates for the number of colorectal cancer cases in the United States for 2016 are:

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Overall, the lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer is about 1 in 21 (4.7%) for men and 1 in 23 (4.4%) in women.¹

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The Colon Cancer Alliance is organizing Undy Runs in three locations this month across the country to support being brave and knocking out colon cancer. Learn more here: http://www.ccalliance.org/undy-runwalk/

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Today is National Dress in Blue Day! Wear blue and encourage others to do the same to support colon cancer awareness.

Visit www.dressinblueday.org for more information.

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Two Colon Cancer Alliance Undy Runs are happening today in San Diego, CA and Macon, GA.

Learn more here: http://www.ccalliance.org/undy-runwalk/

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Knowing your hereditary cancer status can help you be in control of your future cancer risk. Watch how it helped Stephanie K. and her family take control: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKbapWYpeFw

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There are several lifestyle-related factors linked to colorectal cancer risk including diet, weight, physical inactivity, smoking, and heavy alcohol use.¹

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Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States for men and women combined.¹

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The death rate from colorectal cancer has been dropping in both men and women for several decades which is likely due to improved screening and treatment methods.¹

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There are several colorectal cancer risk factors you cannot change including: family history of colorectal cancer, inherited family cancer syndromes such as Lynch syndrome and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), age, personal history of colorectal polyps or colorectal cancer, personal history of inflammatory bowel disease, racial and ethnic background, and type 2 diabetes.²

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The 10th Annual Call-On Congress by the Fight Colorectal Cancer advocacy organization takes place on March 13th – 16th.

Learn more about how join the movement to make colorectal cancer a national priority here: http://fightcolorectalcancer.org/call-on-congress/

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Watch this video by the Colon Cancer Alliance to learn more about colorectal cancer some myths and facts about the disease: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-TApvGCI34#t=25

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There are several tests that examine the colon and rectum are used to detect and diagnose colon cancer including: physical exam and history, colonoscopy, biopsy, and more.

For more general information visit http://www.cancer.gov/types/colorectal/patient/colon-treatment-pdq#section/all

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Genetic factors can influence your future risk for developing cancer. Take this brief quiz to help determine whether you should be further evaluated by your healthcare provider for a hereditary cancer syndrome:

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Regular screening can often find colorectal cancer early, when it is most likely to be curable. In many people, screening can also prevent colorectal cancer by finding and removing polyps before they have the chance to turn into cancer.⁵

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For most adults, the American Cancer Society recommends starting screening for colorectal cancer at age 50. Some people at higher risk for colorectal cancer might need to start screening earlier.⁵

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There are several ways to treat colorectal cancer, depending on its type and stage. Methods include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. Depending on the stage of cancer and other factors, different types of treatment may be combined at the same time or used after one another.⁶

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Patients with colorectal cancer may have various doctors on their treatment teams including gastroenterologists, surgical oncologists, colorectal surgeons, radiation oncologists, and/or medical oncologists.⁶

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Patients with colorectal cancer, or survivors, can ask their doctors about developing a survivorship care plan which may include:

• A suggested schedule for follow-up exams and tests
• A schedule for other tests you might need in the future, such as early detection (screening) tests for other types of cancer, or tests to look for long-term health effects from your cancer or its treatment
• A list of possible late- or long-term side effects from your treatment, including what to watch for and when you should contact your doctor
• Diet and physical activity suggestions⁷

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After colorectal cancer, many doctors recommend physical exams every 3 to 6 months for the first couple of years after treatment, and then every 6 months or so for the next few years.⁷

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Lynch syndrome is an inherited condition that gives a person a higher risk of cancers of the digestive tract, gynecologic tract, and other organs. People who have Lynch syndrome have a significantly increased risk of developing colorectal cancer and the American Society of Clinical Oncology recommends testing for Lynch syndrome in all patients with colorectal cancer.⁸

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Watch Brian share his personal story about being diagnosed with Lynch syndrome: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLqdhW6KjMo

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Learn if your previous cancer diagnosis may have been related to a hereditary condition. Take this brief quiz to help determine whether you should be further evaluated by your healthcare provider for a hereditary cancer syndrome: Survivor Snapshot Quiz.

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Remind your friends and family to get their colonoscopy to prevent and catch colorectal cancer! The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends getting screened every 10 years, beginning at age 50. Patients at higher risk should begin screening at a younger age and may need to be tested more frequently.⁹

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Colon cancer is one of the few cancers preventable via regular screening.10 Watch this colonoscopy prank that helps raise awareness of colorectal cancer in an unexpectedly funny way:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vuMqbKoTQkM

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Fact: half of all colon cancer deaths a year could be prevented in the U.S. if everyone age 50 and older got screened for colon cancer.¹⁰

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You can reduce your risk of colorectal cancer by:

• Staying at a healthy weight throughout life; stay lean without being underweight
• Be physically active; limit the time you spend sitting, lying down, watching TV, etc.
• Eat at least 2½ cups of vegetables and fruits each day
• Choose whole grains over refined grain products
• Limit the amount of red meat and processed meat you eat, including pork
• If you drink alcohol, limit the amount to 1 drink per day for women, 2 per day for men
• Don’t use tobacco in any form¹⁰

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There are several patient advocacy groups to help patients, their families, and their caregivers to navigate the colorectal cancer landscape. Learn more by visiting the websites for the Colon Cancer Alliance and Fight Colorectal Cancer.

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