Survival Rates for Colorectal Cancer High when Found Early

03-07-2009

AUGUSTA, GA – As the nation marks National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month this March, the American Cancer Society is encouraging Americans to get lifesaving screening tests that have been proven to reduce the risk of the third leading cause of cancer death in both men and women.

According to the recent Annual Report to the Nation on cancer, progress continues to be made in the fight against colorectal cancer (commonly referred to as colon cancer), with incidence and mortality rates continuing to experience a steady decline due in part to an increase in screening. From 1998 to 2005, colon cancer incidence dropped by 2.8% per year in men and 2.2% per year in women. Deaths rates have fallen by 4.3% in both men and women from 2002 to 2005. The American Cancer Society recommends routine screening for men and women starting at age 50, and earlier testing for those at higher than average risk. Regularly scheduled screening can not only detect cancer at an early and more treatable stage, but can also prevent cancer from developing by removing precancerous polyps before they become cancerous.

In March 2008, the American Cancer Society, along with the American College of Radiology and the U.S. Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer released the first-ever consensus guidelines for colorectal screening. The guidelines now include two new tests – stool DNA and CT colonography, also known as virtual colonoscopy. The guidelines also for the first time indicate a preference for screening tests that can not only detect cancer early but also detect precancerous polyps before they turn cancerous.

A number of lifestyle factors impact colon cancer risk. Studies indicate that men and women who are overweight are more likely to develop and die from colon cancer, and a diet high in red or processed meat is known to increase risk of developing the disease. Studies also show that high levels of physical activity may cut the risk of colon cancer in half. The American Cancer Society recommends engaging in moderate activity for at least 30 minutes on five or more days per week and substituting high consumption of red and processed meat with a healthy diet rich in plant sources, whole grains, and five or more servings of fruits and vegetables.

Age remains the most important risk factor for colon cancer. Risk increases with ...

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