Five myths about colorectal cancer debunked
March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and the American Cancer Society is on a myth-busting mission to let people know that this leading cancer killer is actually one of the most preventable, treatable and beatable - if it's found early.
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men and women combined. In 2017, an estimated 135,430 new U.S. cases of the disease, and 50,260 deaths, are expected.
"We can significantly reduce the incidence of colorectal cancer, and the number of lives lost," said Carolyn Bruzdzinski, Ph.D, vice president of American Cancer Society, Lakeshore Division Health Systems. "Small growths, or polyps, often can be detected and removed before they may become cancerous."
As part of the 80 percent by 2018 initiative, the American Cancer Society and more than 1,300 medical professional societies, academic centers, survivor groups, government agencies, cancer coalitions, cancer centers, payers, corporations and others are working to increase colorectal cancer screening rates to at least 80 percent nationwide by the year of 2018. Screening is currently recommended for men and women ages 50 and up, and a variety of options are available, from colonoscopy to simple take-home tests.
Don't let myths stop you from getting the potentially lifesaving screening tests you need, when you need them.
Myth #1:
Colorectal cancer is a man's disease.
Truth:
Colorectal cancer is almost as common among women as men. Each year in the U.S., about 71,000 men and 64,000 women are diagnosed with colorectal cancer.
Myth #2:
Colorectal cancer cannot be prevented.
Truth:
In many cases, colorectal cancer can be prevented. Colorectal cancer almost always starts with a small growth called a polyp. If the polyp is found early, it can be removed - stopping colorectal cancer before it starts.
These tests can find polyps: colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy, double-contrast barium enema, or CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy). Talk to your health care provider about which test is best for you.
Additional tips to help lower your chances of getting colorectal cancer:
• Get to and stay at a healthy weight throughout life; stay lean without being underweight.
• Be physically active; limit the time you spend sitting, lying down, watching TV, etc.
• Eat at least 2½ cups of vegetables and fruits each day.
• Choose whole grains over refined grain products.
• Limit the amount of red meat and processed meat you eat.
• If you drink alcohol, limit the amount to 1 drink per day for women, 2 per day for men.
• Don't use tobacco in any form.
Myth #3:
African-Americans are not at risk for colorectal cancer.
Truth:
African-American men and women are diagnosed with and die from colorectal cancer at higher rates than men and women of any other U.S. racial or ethnic group. The reason for this is not yet understood.
Myth #4:
Age doesn't matter when it comes to getting colorectal cancer.
Truth:
Most colorectal cancers are found in people age 50 and older. For this reason, the American Cancer Society recommends you start getting checked for this cancer when you're 50.
People who are at a higher risk for colorectal cancer - such as those who have colon or rectal cancer in their families - may need to start testing when they are younger. Talk with your doctor about when you should start getting tested and how often you should be tested.
Myth #5:
It's better not to get tested for colorectal cancer because it's deadly anyway.
Truth:
Colorectal cancer is often highly treatable. If it's found and treated early (while it's small and before it has spread), the 5-year relative survival rate is about 90 percent. But because many people are not being tested the way they should, only about 4 out of 10 are currently diagnosed at this early stage when treatment is most likely to be successful.
To learn more about colorectal cancer, please read Colorectal Cancer Early Detection, visit www.cancer.org/colon, or call the American Cancer Society's National Cancer Information Center 24 hours a day, 365 days a year at (800) 227-2345.
Follow your American Cancer Society in Illinois at www.Facebook.com/AmericanCancerSocietyIllinois and on Twitter, @ACS_Illinois.