Colon cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths in Anguilla and many other countries. Many cases of cancer can be prevented and new evidence has now reveals that processed, unprocessed and cured meats are linked to colorectal cancer. The good news about colorectal cancer is that when doctors find colorectal cancer early, it is highly curable.
What is colorectal cancer?
Colorectal cancer is cancer that starts in the colon or rectum. The colon and the rectum are parts of the large intestine, which are the lower parts of the body’s digestive system.
Most colorectal cancers are adenocarcinomas (cancers that begin in cells that make and release mucus and other fluids). Colorectal cancer often begins as a growth called a polyp, which may form on the inner wall of the colon or rectum. Some polyps become cancer over time. Finding and removing polyps can prevent colorectal cancer.
Who gets colorectal cancer?
Anyone can get colorectal cancer, but about 90 percent of cases occur in people aged 50 or older. Early detection is key in the management of colorectal cancer. With regular screening, colon cancer can be found early. This is when treatment is most effective.
What are the symptoms?
Colorectal cancer does not have early warning signs, so it is important to get screened. Finding it early means it is more curable. As the disease gets worse, you may see blood in your stool or have pain in your belly, a change in bowel habits (like constipation or diarrhoea), unexplained weight loss, or fatigue. By the time these symptoms appear, tumours tend to be bigger and harder to treat.
What are some risk factors for colorectal cancer?
There are some factors that increase your risks of getting colorectal cancer. These include the following:
• Age — most people with it are older than 50
• Inflammatory bowel disease e.g. Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis
• People with an immediate family member with a history of colon cancer have 2-3 times the risk of developing colon cancer
• African-Americans have a 20% higher risk of developing colon cancer and a 45% higher mortality rate
• Lifestyle factors – Physical inactivity, a diet low in fruits, vegetables, fibre and high in fat, being overweight or obese, alcohol and tobacco use
Meats and colorectal cancer
The World Health Organization recently revealed new evidence suggesting that red meat is linked to colorectal cancer. Processed and cured meats seem to be the major culprits. However, the WHO says unprocessed meat is concerning too. The new research suggests that if you are eating red meat three or more times a week, you may have an increased risk for colorectal cancer. For the most part, this includes people who eat some type of red meat almost everyday, as well as those who eat much more than the recommended amount of a four-ounce serving. The WHO data also showed that people who eat a little bit less than two ounces of processed meat a day are 18 percent more likely to develop colorectal cancer than someone who does not eat any.
The WHO researchers classified processed meat as a human carcinogen, meaning it causes cancer. Processed meat is any meat that has been preserved by smoking, curing, salting or adding chemical preservatives. For unprocessed red meat, the results were only slightly better. The study results determined that unprocessed red meat may be classified as ‘probably causes cancer.’
Reducing your risk for colorectal cancer
Individuals are encouraged to talk with their doctor about their risk factors for colorectal cancer. Regular medical check-ups are important as well as having appropriate screening tests.
Maintaining a healthy diet is important in preventing many cancers including colorectal cancers. Individuals are encouraged to eat a diet that consists of a variety of fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
It is also important to maintain a healthy weight, or lose weight if you are overweight or obese.
Staying physically active is vital for good health. This means getting exercise most days of the week. Try to get at least 30 minutes of exercise on most days of the week.
Limit alcohol consumption. Either drink alcohol in moderation, or avoid it completely. If you choose to drink alcohol, try not to drink more than one drink a day for women and two for men.
Avoid or quit smoking.
Treatment
Many colon cancer treatment options are available for colorectal cancer, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. You and your doctor can arrive on a treatment protocol once the diagnosis is confirmed.
Conclusion
Colorectal cancers occurs in individuals in Anguilla. We must continue our education campaigns in preventing this cancer or detecting this cancer at an early stage. There is no doubt that diet and lifestyle living can influence colorectal cancer. You can take steps to dramatically lower your odds of getting colorectal cancer. Eat a nutritious diet, get enough exercise, and control your body fat. Those habits prevent 45% of colorectal cancers. Screening tests can also help to prevent and detect colorectal cancer at an early stage allowing for better prognosis.
Ask Your Doctor is a health education column and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician. The reader should consult his or her physician for specific information concerning specific medical conditions. While all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that all information presented is accurate, as research and development in the medical field are ongoing, it is possible that new findings may supersede some data presented.
Dr Brett Hodge MB BS DGO MRCOG, is an Obstetrician/Gynaecologist and Family Doctor who has over thirty two years in clinical practice. Dr Hodge has a medical practice in The Johnson Building in The Valley (Tel: 264 4975828).
