Download The colon and rectum are parts of the digestive system, which is also

Colorectal Cancer Screening: One of the Most Powerful Weapons in Fighting Colon Cancer
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness month. Excluding skin cancer, colorectal cancer is the
third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women and the second leading cause of cancer
deaths in the US. The American Cancer Society estimates that 102,480 people will be diagnosed with colon
cancer and 40,340 diagnosed with rectal cancer in 2013 causing approximately 50,830 deaths.
The American Cancer Society estimates in Maryland in 2013:
● 2,410 new cases of colorectal cancer diagnosed
● 930 deaths from colorectal cancer
The colon and rectum are parts of the digestive system, which is also called the gastrointestinal
(GI) system. The first part of the digestive system processes food for energy, while the last part (colon and
rectum) absorbs fluid to form solid waste that then leaves the body. After food is chewed and swallowed, it
travels down the esophagus, through the stomach, is broken down and sent to the small intestine (also
called small bowel). Most of our nutrients are absorbed in the small intestine. The small intestine joins the
colon in the right lower abdomen. Water and salt are absorbed from the food matter in the colon. Waste
(feces) left from this process passes into the rectum and is then expelled from the anus.
In most people, colorectal cancers develop slowly over several years. Before a cancer develops, a
growth of tissue usually begins as a non-cancerous polyp on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. If
cancer forms within a polyp, it can eventually begin to grow into the wall of the colon or rectum. When
cancer cells are in the wall, they can then grow into blood vessels or lymph vessels. Once cancer cells
spread into blood or lymph vessels, they can travel to distant parts of the body, such as the liver. This
process of spread is called metastasis.
Regular colorectal cancer screening is one of the most powerful weapons for preventing colorectal
cancer. Screening is the process of looking for cancer in people who have no symptoms of the disease.
Since colorectal cancer does not usually produce symptoms in its early stages, you can look fine, feel
healthy, and not know there is a problem. If there are symptoms, they may include any of the following:
Blood from the rectum or blood in the stool, either bright red or very dark
Change in bowel habits (constipation or diarrhea)
Change in the size of the stool (stools that are narrower than usual)
Feeling that your bowel does not empty completely
Frequently having gas pains, feeling of fullness or bloating
Unexplained weight loss
Mass or lump in the abdomen
Constant tiredness
Vomiting
Regular screening can, in many cases, prevent colorectal cancer altogether. This is because polyps, or
growths, can be found and removed before they have the chance to turn into cancer. Screening can also
result in finding colorectal cancer early, when it is highly curable. Over the last decade colorectal cancer
incidence and death have been declining due to increased screening
The American Cancer Society recommends screening for the following people:
People ages 50 years and older (more than 90% of colorectal cancer is found in people age 50 years and
older)
People under age 50 with the following:
A personal or family history of adenomatous polyps (polyps that can turn into cancer)
A personal or family history of colorectal cancer (Family history is considered a mother, father,
brother, sister, or child)
A personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (Ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease)
Women who have had cancer of the ovary or endometrium before age 50
History of radiation therapy to the abdomen or pelvis
A person with a family history of genetic forms of colorectal cancer or polyps
Certain racial or ethnic backgrounds (some racial and ethnic groups have a higher risk of
colorectal cancer)
If you are at increased risk due to personal history or family history, have any concerning symptoms as
noted above, or are age 50 or older and have never been screened, talk to your doctor or health care
provider.
Even though we don't know exactly what causes colorectal cancer, there are some steps you can take to
reduce your risk. The two most important things you can do to reduce your risk of colorectal cancer are:
1) Get screened regularly
2) Follow your doctor’s recommendations for follow-up.
Other important steps are:
Maintain a healthy weight, eat at least 5 servings of vegetables and fruits each day, exercise moderately for
at least 30 minutes most days of the week, and avoid tobacco and alcohol.
The Allegany County Health Department through the Colorectal Cancer Control Program (CCCP) provides
free screening for those who meet the eligibility guidelines. Qualified individuals are:
Allegany County residents age 50 or older who meet established income guidelines and who have no
health insurance or whose insurance does not cover colorectal screening (Medicare and other insurances
such as PAC may qualify).
If you feel you may qualify for free colon screening, call the Colorectal Cancer Control Program at 301759-5121. CCCP staff also provides outreach education to the general public regarding colorectal cancer.
We would be happy to provide presentations to any local group regarding colorectal cancer. The CCCP is
funded by a grant from the Cigarette Restitution Fund through the State of Maryland Department of Health
and Mental Hygiene and is available through the Allegany County Health Department.
Submitted by Trisha Tichnell, RN, Allegany County Health Department