Reducing the Risk of Colon Cancer––Centennial Medical Center

Reducing the Risk of Colon Cancer

What is it, how do I know I have it, and how do I prevent it?

By Dr. Sangeethapriya Duraiswamy, Centennial Medical Center, Collin County LIVING WELL Magazine

Colon cancer is not a common topic of conversation, but it is a fairly common type of cancer. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), about 102,480 new cases of colon cancer are diagnosed each year. When coupled with rectal cancer, which accounts for about 40,340 new cases annually, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer found in men and women, excluding skin cancers.

“Colon cancer usually begins as an overgrowth of normal cells, called a polyp. It takes about 10 to 15 years for these polyps to develop into colon cancer. But the polyps can be removed when detected early through screening so cancer can be avoided or even prevented” says Dr. Sangeethapriya Duraiswamy, gastroenterology on the medical staff at Centennial Medical Center in Frisco, Texas.

Most people with colorectal cancer do not know they have the disease because they have no symptoms until the cancer reaches an advanced stage. Common warning signs of colorectal cancer include a change in bowel habits, a feeling that bowels do not empty completely, blood in the stool, stools that are more narrow than usual, gas pains, cramps or bloating, unexplained weight loss, weakness or fatigue and nausea or vomiting. However, these symptoms also may be caused by other conditions such as infection, hemorrhoids or inflammatory bowel disease. A person with symptoms should see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible. Successful treatment is more likely when colorectal cancer is detected early.

“Colon cancer has no single cause. Some people have a higher risk of developing colon cancer because this form of the disease tends to run in families,” says Dr. Duraiswamy. “Others who are diagnosed with the disease have a personal history of colorectal polyps or colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, or certain inherited gene changes that can cause the disease. Being over the age of 50 and African American also can increase the risk of developing colon cancer.”

Just because you have a risk factor for colon cancer does not mean you will develop the disease. Given the fact that colonoscopy can detect and remove polyps at the same time, most doctors recommend an initial colonoscopy for screening for colorectal cancer for average risk individuals starting at age 50. People at higher risk of developing colorectal cancer may need to begin screening at an earlier age.

So what can you do to reduce your risk of colon cancer? Plenty. While you cannot control your age, race or family history, there are a number of lifestyle-related steps you can take to help prevent the disease.

  • Eat five or more servings of a variety of vegetables and fruits daily. Avoid a diet that is high in red meats, such as beef or lamb, and processed meats, including hot dogs. Opt for whole grains instead of refined grains, and limit alcohol to no more than one drink per day for women and two per day for men.
  • Exercise. The ACS recommends at least 30 minutes of moderate or vigorous physical activity for adults on five or more days of the week.
  • Manage your weight. While being overweight or obese increases the risk for colon cancer in both men and women, this risk tends to be stronger in men.
  • Don’t smoke. Some of the substances from smoking that can cause cancer are swallowed and can increase the risk of the disease developing in the digestive system, which includes the colon.

For more information about colon cancer or to schedule a screening, talk with your doctor or visit our website at www.centennialmedcenter.com.

Dr. Sangeethapriya Duraiswamy, practices gastroenterology on the medical staff at Centennial Medical Center in Frisco.