Facts about Colorectal Cancer

Article submitted by the American Cancer Society.
For more information, they can be reached by calling the Society's National Cancer Information Center at 1-800-ACS-2345 or locally at 210-614-4211, or visit their website: www.cancer.org.

What many people don't realize is that colon cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancer. Studies show that for colon cancer early detection and treatment reduce the number of deaths from this disease, yet only 38 percent of colon cancers are detected in the earliest and most treatable stage. Nationwide the American Cancer Society is directing more staff and material resources than ever before toward improving current colon screening trends.

Colorectal cancer (commonly referred to as colon cancer) is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States, claiming more lives than either breast or prostate cancer. In 2005, approximately 9,270 Texans will be diagnosed with colon cancer and 3,590 are expected to die. In the US, an estimated 145,000 new cases of colon cancer will occur with about 56,000 dying from the disease.

The American Cancer Society is focusing on efforts to increase colon cancer awareness and screening rates among the general population with special emphasis on those who are at the greatest risk of dying from the disease, men and women over the age of 50. "Through media campaigns, local program activities and advocacy efforts we will encourage physicians to recommend screenings to their patients and encourage men and women 50 and older to talk to their physicians about a colon exam," says Rolando Saenz, M.D., F.A.C.S., Colon and Rectal Surgeon and Chair for the San Antonio American Cancer Society Colorectal Cancer Committee.

According to the American Cancer Society, when colon cancers are found at an early stage the five-year survival rates are as high as 90 percent. For colon cancers found at a later, more advanced stage, the five-year survival rate drops to less than 10 percent.

"The majority of colon cancers can be prevented or stopped through screening," says Dr. Saenz. "While many Americans resist the idea of getting screened for the disease, testing can find and remove precancerous colon polyps before they develop into a cancer."

Personal risk for colon cancer varies, so talk to your doctor about helping you make informed decisions about when to begin testing and the most appropriate testing method. Factors associated with increased risk for colon cancer, as well as information on prevention, early detection, and treatment of the disease, can be found on the American Cancer Society's Web site at www.cancer.org, by calling the Society's National Cancer Information Center at 1-800-ACS-2345 or locally at 210-614-4211.

The American Cancer Society is the nationwide, community-based, voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy, and service.