William Penn Life, 2011 (46. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2011-10-01 / 10. szám
Our Health Corner with Debbie Wolfe, rn Colorectal cancer Take it from me: Don’t delay necessary screenings AS MANY OF YOU KNOW, I was ill this summer. Thank you for all your prayers and good wishes. As a nurse, I find it hard to admit that a lot of my issues could have been minimized if I had just followed the advise that I give to my own patients. Everyone knows that as we age we should get certain screenings. But, life gets in the way. We are all busy and don't place our own health as a priority. Some of these health screenings are uncomfortable, and we tend to put them off. Just about everyone has heard that after the age of 50 we need to get a colonoscopy. Colorectal cancer is the third most common type of cancer in men, after prostate and lung cancer, and in women, after breast and lung cancer. It is the second leading cause of death in the United States after lung cancer. This is a disease where the cells in the colon or rectum become abnormal and divide without control, forming a mass called a tumor. These cancer cells may also invade and destroy the tissue around them. They may also break away from the tumor and spread to form new tumors in other parts of the body. So what are the risks for developing colorectal cancer? • Age - Colorectal cancer is more likely to occur as people get older. Although this disease can occur at any age, most people who develop this cancer are over 50. • Personal History - A person who has already had a cancer is at increased risk. Studies suggest women with a history of ovarian, uterine or breast cancer have a higher than average chance of developing colorectal cancer. • Family History - Close relatives of a person who has had colorectal cancer are somewhat more likely to develop this type of cancer themselves, especially if the family member developed the cancer at a young age. If many family members have had colorectal cancer, the chances increase even more. • Ulcerative Colitis or Crohn's Disease - These conditions cause inflammation of the lining of the colon. People who have these conditions are also at a higher risk to develop colorectal cancer. • Diet - Some evidence suggests the development of colorectal cancer may be associated with high dietary consumption of red and processed meats and a low consumption of whole grains, fruits and vegetables. • Exercise - There is a belief that a sedentary lifestyle may be associated with an increased risk of developing this disease. In contrast, people who exercise regularly may have a decreased risk. • Smoking - There is increasing evidence suggesting that cigarette smoking, particularly long term smoking, increases ones risk of colorectal cancer. • Polyps - Polyps are abnormal growths that protrude from the inner wall of the colon or rectum. They are pretty common in people over 50. Most polyps are benign and noncancerous, but the experts believe that the majority of colorectal cancers develop in polyps known as "adenomas." Detecting and removing these polyps may help to prevent colorectal cancer. So, now I ask myself: Do I have many of these risk factors? Yes. Did I get my colonoscopy at 50? No. After acute abdominal pain and a Sunday morning trip to my own emergency room, I received a CT scan that showed a possible mass—not words that anyone wants to hear. I had an infection and had to take antibiotics for 20 days before the gastroenterologist would perform the colonoscopy that I needed for a definite diagnosis. That was a long month! The colonoscopy found two of those adenomas, and they were removed. My GI doc told me that if I had waited another six months, he was sure I would have had colon cancer. I have to follow up with another colonoscopy in November to make sure they got it all. My anxiety will continue until then. I am telling you my personal story in the hopes of convincing other procrastinators to not put this test on your "things to do" list. I know a colonoscopy is not something we look forward to, but it is necessary for your and your family's peace of mind. Please call your family physician, and schedule this life saving screening test. Until next month.... Stay Healthy - stay Happy - fee Fit! Egészségére! I to To learn more about colorectal cancer, including information on prevention, treatment and the latest clinical studies, log onto: O http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/colon-and-rectal (The colon and rectal cancer section of the National Cancer Institute website) 3 http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal (The colorectal cancer section of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website) William Penn Life 0 October 2011 0 3
