Colon Cancer In Women - Stop It Before It Starts

When writing this article on colon cancer in women I had to remember Mrs. Jones.

Mrs. Jones was a 65-year old African American woman who was retired after 40 years of working in the transportation industry. She had two children and a few grandchildren. Her husband of many years was in good health.

Soon after retirement, she complained to her daughter that she’d been having a little stomach discomfort of late but not serious. A few months later, she was diagnosed with inoperable colon cancer. She knew something was wrong but did not seek medical evaluation, nor did she confide in family members. Two months later she died.

Fact:
African-American men and women are diagnosed with and die from colon cancer at higher rates than men and women of any other US racial or ethnic group.

Fact:
Colon cancer in women is just as common as men. This year, about 150,000 Americans will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer, and more than 55,000 will die from the disease.

Fact:
In many cases colon cancer can be prevented. Colon cancer almost always starts with a small growth called a polyp. If found early, doctors can remove it and stop colon cancer before it starts.

Fact:
More than 90% of colon cancer cases occur in people age 50 and older. For this reason, the American Cancer Society recommends you start getting tested for the disease at age 50. People who are at increased risk for colon cancer -- for example, those with a family history of the disease -- may need to begin testing at a younger age. You should talk to your doctor about your specific situation and when you should begin testing.

Fact:
Colon cancer is often highly treatable. When found early and treated, the 5-year survival rate is 90%.

The colonoscopy procedure is painless and takes only 15 to 20 minutes (I had one). Most are done with a little sedation for relaxation. You go home the same day.

Every year after that, the conventional test for screening colon cancer is a simple stool collection procedure done at home. It will test for blood in your stool which is a strong indication of colon cancer. Your doctor will determine the need for any future colonoscopies.

“The Sad American Diet” Linked to Colon Cancer in Women

Until researchers are able to find out exactly how certain factors affect the way colon cancer develops, the American Cancer Society recommends making the best use of current knowledge to lower your risk. This includes...

• increasing the intensity and duration of physical activity
• eating more fiber from fruits and vegetables
• limiting intake of red meats
• avoiding obesity
• avoiding excessive alcohol consumption.

Colon cancer in women is preventable. Get the colonoscopy. Stop the cancer before it starts.

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