Download Colon Cancer: Get the Facts

Colon Cancer: Get the Facts
What is Colon Cancer?
Colon cancer almost always develops from precancerous changes or
growths in the lining of the colon called polyps. Colon cancer can
be prevented if precancerous polyps are found and removed.
The Facts

March 2006 marks the seventh annual National Colon Cancer
Awareness Month.

In 2006, the Society estimates about 148,610 Americans will be
diagnosed with colon cancer and 55,170 will die.

Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the
U.S.

More than 90% of colon cancer cases are diagnosed in men and
women older than 50.

Survival rate is 90% when colon cancer is found in its early
stages.

Only 39% of colon cancers are detected at an early stage.

Colon cancer usually has no symptoms in its early stages.

Colon cancer kills more women than ovarian, uterine, and
cervical cancers combined.

African-Americans have the highest colon cancer incidence and
death rates of any racial or ethnic group in the U.S.

Hispanics are less likely to get tested for colon cancer than
any other racial or ethnic group.

The Society is currently funding 101 colon cancer research
grants nationwide totaling more than $50 million.

Many insurance plans and Medicare assist in paying for colon
cancer screening tests.
Risk Factors
Age – Men and women age 50 and older are at risk for colon cancer.
Family History – A personal or family history of colon cancer,
polyps, or inflammatory bowel disease of significant duration
increases colon cancer risk.
Genetic Factors – Certain genetic factors increase colon cancer
risk, including familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), Gardner’s
syndrome, heredity non-polyposis colon cancer, and being of
Ashkenazi Jewish descent.
Race – African-Americans have the highest colon cancer incidence and
death rates of any racial or ethnic group in the US.
Behavior – Certain behavioral factors increase colon cancer risk:



Smoking
Alcohol consumption
Obesity

Physical inactivity


Diet high in fat and/or
red meat
Diet low in fruits and
vegetables
Getting Tested Can Prevent Colon Cancer
American Cancer Society Encourages Men and Women to Get Tested
Milwaukee, WI – March 2006 – March 2006 marks the seventh annual National Colon Cancer
Awareness Month, and the American Cancer Society is raising awareness that colon cancer, the second
leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., is largely preventable.
In 2005, more than 2,700 men and women in Wisconsin were expected to be diagnosed with
colon cancer, and more than 1,000 were expected to die from the disease. The number of colon cancer
deaths could be cut in half if Americans followed the Society’s recommendations for early detection.
Colon cancer testing can find and remove polyps before they turn into cancer, preventing the
disease from ever occurring. And even if cancer is found, when detected early, colon cancer has a 90
percent survival rate. Unfortunately, only 39 percent of colon cancers are detected at this stage.
“Many people 50 and older do not know they are at risk for colon cancer and need to be
tested,” said Russ Hinz, American Cancer Society, Midwest Division Chief Operating Officer. “If we
can get people to recognize that colon cancer testing is as important as the Pap test and the
mammogram, we will have tremendous opportunity to save thousands of lives through the prevention
and early detection of colon cancer.”
If you are age 50 or older, even if you have no family history of the disease, you are at risk for
colon cancer and should ask your physician about getting tested. For more information on colon cancer
testing and how to talk about it with your physician, call 1.800.ACS.2345 or visit www.cancer.org.
The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by saving
lives, diminishing suffering and preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. Founded
in 1913 and with national headquarters in Atlanta, the Society has 13 regional Divisions and local offices in
3,400 communities, involving millions of volunteers across the United States. For more information anytime,
call toll free 1.800.ACS.2345 or visit www.cancer.org.
# # #
Hot Mission News
Cancer Facts & Figures 2006 Released, Reports Historic Drop in Total
Number of Cancer Deaths
The American Cancer Society’s annual estimate of cancer deaths
indicates, for the first time since data collection began in 1930,
2006 will see a slight decline in the projected number of cancer
deaths compared to estimates made for 2005. While it is unclear
whether the decline in the total number of cancer deaths will
continue, it marks a notable milestone in the battle against cancer.
The estimates are included in the 55th edition of Cancer Facts &
Figures, which projects that in 2006, approximately 1.4 million
Americans will be diagnosed with cancer and 565,000 will die of the
disease.
Every year, the American Cancer Society's Cancer Facts & Figures
provides nationwide and state-specific estimates of new cancer cases
and deaths for the current year. It is an important source for
public health and advocacy efforts to reduce the burden of cancer,
as well as a must-have for journalists reporting on cancer
throughout the year. This year, the publication includes a special
section focusing on environmental pollutants and cancer.
Society Launches Blog Authored by Deputy Chief Medical Officer Len
Lichtenfeld, MD
"Dr. Len’s Cancer Blog," www.cancer.org/drlen, discusses breaking
cancer news while helping to explain and provide commentary on new
medical research, scientific developments, and other cancer
breakthroughs.
The blog is targeted primarily to journalists and is intended to
make tough science easier to understand, while creating awareness of
cancer issues among news media thought leaders. The blog serves as a
resource for writers, clinicians, and other bloggers, and provides
them with a source for quotes or comments for news stories. Recent
topics have included colon cancer, quitting smoking, pancreatic
cancer, lung cancer screening, cancer survivors, and prostate
cancer.
Coaches vs. Cancer National Awareness Weekend Celebrated February 10
– 12
This high-profile event is designed to increase awareness of the
program, which is jointly owned by the Society and the National
Association of Basketball Coaches. The National Awareness Weekend
provides an opportunity to focus attention on the Society’s mission
and nationwide priorities through messaging focused on prevention
and early detection of colon cancer. At televised basketball games
throughout the Awareness Weekend, coaches wear sneakers with their
traditional game attire and mention their support of the Society’s
mission in game interviews.