Colorectal Cancer


Cancer Risk Colorectal Cancer
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), colorectal cancer is the third most common site of new cancer cases in both men and women. In 2003 there will be approximately 147,500 new cases of colon and rectal cancers and 57,100 deaths. What to watch for: • Blood in the stool • Change in bowel habits • Stools that are narrower than usual • General stomach discomfort (i.e., cramping) • An urge to have a bowel movement when there is no need to have one • Frequent gas pain • Unexplained weight loss		Risk Factors: Family History: Having a relative with colorectal cancer raises your risk. The closer the relative the higher the risk. Inflammatory bowel disease: Having a disease like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis for 10 or more years raises your risk. Age:Men and women over the age of 50 are at a higher risk. Prevention: Lifestyle choices that can lower colorectal cancer include: • Get at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day • Maintain a healthy weight • Eat no more than 2-3 servings of red meat a week • Take a multivitamin with folic acid every day • Drink one or less alcoholic beverage a day • Eat 5 or more servings of fruits and vegetables a day • Don’t smoke • Get regular screening tests
		next >