By: Ayokunle Abegunde, MD
Whether you're concerned about colorectal cancer because it runs in your family or you're turning 45 and you've heard it's time for a colonoscopy, if you look at the facts, you'll see why being screened for colon cancer is a life-saving decision.
Here are 10 facts you need to know about colorectal cancer:
1. Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men and women in the United States. The CDC and the American Cancer Society estimate that more than 50,000 Americans die from colon cancer each year.
2. Colon cancer affects both men and women of all ethnicities.
The lifetime risk of developing colon cancer is 4-5% in men and women, though men may get colon cancer at an earlier age.
3. Colon cancer may be inherited. People with a family history of colon cancer have two to five times more risk of having colon cancer.
4. People with colon cancer may feel completely healthy. There may be subtle signs and symptoms if a person has colon cancer, however, many people have no symptoms at all.
5. Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancer. Most colon cancers develop from small growths called polyps. Finding and removing these "pre-cancerous" polyps can prevent cancer.
6. Colonoscopy is the most effective colorectal cancer screening test. There are several types of screening and detection tests, however, colonoscopy is the only test in which the entire colon can be visualized.
7. All average risk people should have a screening colonoscopy as early as the age of 45. Those at higher risk of colon cancer should discuss with their physician about getting screened earlier.
8. Colorectal screening saves lives. The 5-year survival rate after detection and treatment of early-stage colon cancer can be as high as 90%
9. Many Americans are not being screened for colon cancer when they should, despite the life-saving benefits. According to the CDC, up to a third of people are not up to date on current colorectal cancer screening recommendations.
10. Adopting healthy habits may help lower your colorectal cancer risk, too. A healthy diet as well as regular physical activity and a normal body weight, are associated with a lower risk of colon cancer.
Now that you know the facts, talk to your primary care provider about your colorectal cancer risks and when you would need to be screened.