PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Fans of the classic sitcom "Cheers" are mourning the death of actress Kirstie Alley. The "Look Who's Talking" star died from colon cancer on Monday night. She was 71.
Colon cancer is the fourth-most common cancer in both men and women and the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths. Alley’s death may have people asking how to know if they are at risk.
Lifestyle risks include lack of exercise, a high-fat diet low in fruits and vegetables, smoking and heavy alcohol use. Making changes in diet and exercise can help alleviate risk.
Other risk factors include a family history of colon cancer and a personal history of certain polyps. African Americans are at greatest risk.
Colon cancer usually begins innocently enough as small clumps of non-cancerous cells called polyps. If these polyps are caught early and removed they won’t grow into cancer.
Symptoms can include blood in the stool, a change in bowel habits and unexplained weight loss.
There are treatments for colon cancer that are improving every year, but prevention and early intervention are the best ways to protect yourself from it — which is why screening for it is so important, especially if it runs in your family. Screening can be done with a procedure called a colonoscopy, but there are many other, less-invasive tests that can help catch the cancer early.
Never hesitate to call your physician if you have concerns.