NEWS FROM OUR
PARISH NURSE
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cancer killer next to lung cancer among both men and women. It affects the 6 feet of the large colon, appendix, rectum and anus. This cancer begins as a benign polyp or fleshy growth developing on the inside lining of the large colon or rectum. While most polyps never turn out to be cancerous; over time some polyps may develop precancerous cells eventually growing into a cancerous tumor. While colorectal cancer can strike at any age, about 90% of new cases are in people aged 50 or older. This is why doctors encourage this age group to have a colonoscopy to get screened for the disease. People who have a personal or family history of benign polyps, who have a family history of colorectal cancer, who have a personal or family history of inflammatory bowel disease like ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, and those men and women who use tobacco, drink alcohol to excess, are obese or lead a sedentary lifestyle are at greater risk to develop this cancer. These people need to discuss their history with their doctor and undergo earlier screening examinations.
One important fact to know about colorectal cancer is that you can be developing a cancerous polyp for several years before you begin to notice any symptoms of this cancer. This is why screening is so important. Beginning with annual checkups as a young adult, your doctor can do a stool for occult or microscopic blood coming from the colon. If you have any abdominal symptoms your doctor can do a flexible sigmoidoscopy which allows him/her to visualize the lower 1/3 of the colon, or the doctor can order an x-ray with a double contrast barium enema which visualizes the inside of the colon. A colonoscopy is usually recommended for screening at age 50 because about 50% of polyps are located in the upper one half of the colon and any polyps found can be removed safely. Removing polyps is a preventative measure. Every screening test except the fecal occult blood test requires a colon cleansing prep the night before the test. Colonoscopy is usually performed with sedation so you are comfortable for the procedure. It involves using a long, flexible tube which is used to visualize the entire colon and rectum. If a polyp is found, the doctor can use special tools within this tube to remove them. Any polyps removed are then sent to the lab for biopsy. In about a week the doctor informs you of these results and need for follow-up examinations.
The symptoms of colon cancer in the advanced stages of the disease are:
-Rectal bleeding
-Blood in or on the stool that is bright red
-Change in bowel habits which might include ribbon-like stools, diarrhea, constipation, or a feeling that the bowel does not empty completely
-General stomach discomfort which can include bloating, frequent gas, fullness, cramping and/or vomiting
-Unexpected or sudden weight loss
-Chronic tiredness, weakness, and unexplained fatigue
See your doctor promptly if you have any of these symptoms. Other conditions may have similar symptoms but you need to be tested to find out why you have these symptoms.
Colorectal cancer is a highly preventable disease. It’s up to you to talk to your doctor and get screened..
Sandy Hove, R.N. March 2006
Resource: www.MedicineNet.com
HEALTH NEWS ARCHIVE:
Feb 2006 Health Care Directives