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Reduce Your Risk of Colorectal Cancer

As the third leading cause of cancer death in the United States of both men and women, it's important to understand your risks associated with colorectal cancer. The good news is that colorectal cancer is preventable, highly treatable and often curable. Early colorectal cancer usually has no symptoms – that's why it's so important to assess your colon and rectal cancer risk. You can start today by discussing screening options with your healthcare provider. Before you make the call, please take a moment to read through this helpful guide. The more you know about colorectal cancer, the more empowered you will be.

SCREENING

Screening tests can detect colon polyps before they become cancerous or detect a colorectal cancer at an early stage. Beginning at the age of 50, men and women should follow the screening guidelines listed below. If you have one or more risk factor, you may need testing at an earlier age.

• Annual fecal occult blood test
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy normally every 5 years OR
• Colonoscopy normally every 10 years OR
• Double-contrast barium enema normally every 5 years OR
• CT colonography normally every 5 years (virtual colonoscopy)

ASSESSING YOUR RISK

Now that you're aware of the screening guidelines, how can you assess your level of risk? Listed below are the factors that could potentially make you an at-risk candidate for colorectal cancer. If you have one or more of the risk factors listed below, we recommend contacting your healthcare provider.

• If you have a family or personal history of colorectal cancer. [Those with a history of colorectal cancer or polyps in one or more first-degree relatives (parents, siblings and/or children) are at increased risk. The risk is nearly doubled in those with a single affected first-degree relative and is even higher in those with a stronger family history.]
• If you have inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease.
• If you have diabetes, or are overweight. If you smoke or drink in excess.
• If you do not exercise regularly.
• If you eat large amounts of red or processed meats.

REDUCE YOUR RISK

understand the choices that will be helpful in decreasing risk and remember, it is better to make some changes rather than no changes. It doesn't have to be all or nothing.

• If you smoke, stop smoking. (Assistance is available through Lutheran's Tobacco Intervention Program by calling (260) 435-7094)
• Try to get at least 30 minutes of exercise daily. This can be accomplished by increasing your walking, gardening, bicycling or swimming.
• Replace some of the red meat in your diet with other protein sources such as beans, soy products and whole grains such as brown rice. If you do eat red meat, keep the serving to the size of a deck of cards.
• Limit your alcohol intake to 1-2 drinks a day.
• Drink at least 64 ounces of water every day.

Now that you've learned about your personal risk levels and have started determining ways to improve your colon and rectal health, you can defend yourself against the disease with regular recommended screenings. Choose a lifestyle that reduces risks and get your family and friends to do the same. And remember, when the time is right, discuss a personal screening plan with your healthcare providers. If you have any questions contact an oncology nurse at the Lutheran Cancer Resource Center by calling (260) 435-7959.