Colon Cancer Prevention
Most individuals develop colon cancer rather slowly, over several years. The first stage of development occurs when a mass of tissues, tumors or polyps (a cluster of benign tumors) grow within the colon walls. Polyp type cancers can grow into the wall of the colon, invade nearby lymph nodes and spread to other organs in the body. This is called “metastatic colon cancer” because of its mobility. In some cases, the lining of the colon may be irregular and inflamed, which may also lead to cancer. To prevent colon cancer, regular testing is vital after the age of 50.
Before talking about colon cancer prevention, let’s talk a little about what colon cancer is, exactly. Both the colon and rectum are part of the digestive system. The first part of the digestive system, which is the esophagus and stomach, breaks down food to be processed into energy. Next, the broken down food travels to the small intestine/bowel, which is a narrow, 20-foot section that continues breaking down food and absorbing most of the nutrients. The small intestine then sends the remaining material to the five-foot-long colon (which is also referred to as “the large intestine”), where it absorbs salt and water and stores waste. The first part of the colon is the ascending colon, which is attached to the small intestine and the appendix on the right side of the abdomen. The transverse colon runs from the right to the left side of the upper abdomen. The descending colon travels downward on the left side and the sigmoid colon is an S-shaped portion that passes food matter down to the rectum, the final six inches of the digestive system, which will pass food out of the body through the anus. No one is really sure what exactly causes a colon cancer cell to develop in the first place, or why some experience a colon cancer recurrence, but research suggests a variety of lifestyle, hereditary and environmental factors are at play.
As you may have heard, screening tests are the best way to prevent colon cancer from developing. Medicare and insurance companies cover the annual fecal occult blood test and four-year sigmoidoscopy for those over 50 years of age. Additionally, Medicare will cover the colonoscopy procedure every two years for patients who are determined to be “high risk,” and every ten years for an average-risk patient. Some of these colon cancer screening procedures involve simple stool samples, while others involve a tube being inserted into the anus, rectum and colon to take a peek at any colon polyps that may be forming. While it may sound terribly uncomfortable, the colonoscopy is one of the most effective ways to identify trouble spots. Other minimally invasive tests may include x-rays, such as the virtual colonoscopy and the double-contrast barium enema.
Lifestyle habits play a major role in one’s ability to prevent colon cancer. A 2007 World Cancer Research Fund report indicated there was “overwhelming evidence” linking obesity, exercise and diet to colon cancer. Researchers found that a high intake of red and processed meats, smoking, obesity and diabetes were all linked to a 20% increased risk of colorectal cancer. Moreover, those who exercised consistently had a 20% lower risk of the disease. People who drank a drink per day or more had a 60% increased risk of colorectal cancer as well. The overall message was that the best colon cancer prevention is by modifying inappropriate behaviors today.
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