Colorectal Cancer
According to the American
Cancer Society, colorectal cancer,
cancer of the colon or rectum, is the
second leading cause of cancer-
related deaths in the United States for
men and the third leading cause for
women. The American Cancer
Society estimates 148,610 new cases
will be diagnosed and 55,170 deaths
will occur in 2006.
The risk for developing colorec-
tal cancer increases with advancing
age. Other risk factors include inflam-
matory bowel disease, a personal or
family history of colorectal cancer or
colorectal polyps, and certain heredi-
tary syndromes. Lack of regular
physical activity also contributes to a
person’s risk for colon cancer, as well
as low fruit and vegetable intake, a
low-fiber and high-fat diet, obesity,
alcohol consumption, and tobacco
use.
Colorectal cancer screening
tests can find polyps , or abnormal
growths, before they turn into cancer.
Screening tests can also find colorec-
tal cancer early, when treatment works
best and the chance for a full recovery
is very high.
Several scientific organizations
recommend regular screening for all
adults aged 50 years or older.
Recommended screening procedures
and intervals are as follows:
• Fecal Occult Blood Test every
year.
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5
years.
• Double-contrast barium enema
every 5 years.
• Total colon examination by
colonoscopy every 10 years.
Persons at higher risk should
begin screening at a younger age and
may need to be tested more fre-
quently.
champs
Center for Healthy Aging Ministries, Programs & Services
From the Parish Nurse
Champs
Center for Healthy Aging, Ministries, Programs & Services
13271 Millard Avenue
Omaha, Nebraska 68137
Tel: (402) 895-2224
Website: www.champsonline.info
Email: champs@crossandheart.org
Champs is funded by a grant from
Alegent Health Community Benefit Trust.