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Colon Cancer

What You Need to Know

In Canada, colorectal cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related deaths among non-smokers. It is the second most frequent cause of cancer deaths overall - only lung cancer takes more lives.

The good news is that both the incidence and deaths from colorectal cancer have steadily declined in the past three decades. Since 1972, deaths from colorectal cancer have dropped by almost 50 percent in women and by 25 percent in men. (The actual incidence of the disease has dropped by 19 percent in women and eight percent in men.)

How Does Colon Cancer Develop?
Colorectal cancer is a malignancy that usually develops from a small, benign growth called a polyp. It begins in either the colon or the rectum, which together form the lower end of the digestive tract.

Cancers can develop in any of the four sections of the colon (the ascending colon, the transverse colon, the descending colon and the sigmoid colon), or in the rectum. Most cancers begin in the sigmoid colon, just above the rectum.

Colorectal cancers usually develop slowly over several years. Since this type of cancer usually develops from a polyp, it can often be prevented by removing any polyps that may be present. When colorectal cancers are caught early, they have a cure rate of 90 percent.

What Causes Colon Cancer?
Cancers of the colon and rectum are very much a disease of the Western world. This is largely due to our dietary habits. A diet rich in animal fats and low in fibre, fruit and vegetable intake, causes the stool to be small and hard. Researchers theorize that the longer the stool is retained in the colon or rectum, the higher the risk of developing colorectal cancers.

You may have read or heard recent media reports on a study that found no association between the intake of fibre and risk of colorectal cancers. It is important to recognize that this was only one study. Numerous other studies indicate that a diet low in animal fat and high in vegetables, fresh fruit, beans and wholegrain cereals could reduce the incidence of colorectal cancer by as much as one-third.

Genetics also appear to play a role in the development of colorectal cancers. Close to 25 percent of cases occur in people with either a family history of the disease or a predisposition towards the development of colorectal polyps.

What are the Symptoms?
The following symptoms do not necessarily mean a person has colon cancer. Numerous other diseases/conditions can give rise to similar symptoms. However, any of these symptoms should alert you to the possibility of colorectal cancer, and prompt a visit to the doctor.

Blood in or on the stool (either bright red or very dark in colour).
A persistent change in normal bowel habits such as diarrhea, constipation or both, or increased stool frequency.
Cramps that last for more than a few days.
Stools that are narrower than usual.
General stomach discomfort (bloating, fullness and/or cramps).
A strong, ongoing need to move the bowels, with little or no passing of stool.
Weight loss for no known reason.
Constant tiredness or fatigue.

Prompt Action Saves Lives
On average, Canadians delay seeing a doctor for two-and-a-half months after the onset of symptoms relating to colorectal cancer.

Waiting too long before seeking medical help for a tumour can lead to a full bowel obstruction or perforation of the bowel. This will necessitate an emergency procedure and will likely limit the success of further treatments for the cancer.

Tragically, close to 40 percent of the 16,600 Canadians diagnosed with colorectal cancer each year have either not been aware of the symptoms, or have left it too late before seeking medical help.

Minimizing Your Risk
The following lifestyle changes will help reduce your risk of developing colon cancer.

Increase your intake of fruits, vegetables and legumes, especially those high in folate (strawberries, oranges, leafy green vegetables and most types of bean).
Reduce your consumption of red meats.
Limit your intake of alcoholic beverages.
Exercise regularly. A brisk walk, three or more times a week, is ideal.
If you are overweight, try to lose the excess by eating healthily and exercising regularly.
If you smoke, quit. This will lower your risk of colorectal cancer, other forms of cancer, and heart disease.
Ask your doctor about taking ASA as a preventative measure.
Discuss with your doctor whether you should undergo a FOBT (fecal occult blood test) to identify blood in the stool.
(This test is recommended by the Canadian Task Force on Preventative Health Care, every one to two years for everyone over 50.)
You may also wish to perform a FOBT yourself, using the Early Detect™ Colorectal Screening Test.

Early Detect Colorectal Screening Test detects the presence of blood in the stool. Simply drop the test panel into the toilet bowl and wait 2 minutes. Available now at London Drugs.