Colorectal Cancer: What Women Need to Know

Colorectal Cancer – cancer of the colon and rectum – is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States for men and women combined, and over 56,000 people are expected to die from it this year. Women comprise over half of all the deaths attributed to colorectal cancer. However, it is a highly preventable and treatable disease if caught early, and an estimated 40,000 lives a year could be saved if men and women would get screened for it. 

It has been shown that a low-fat diet, high in vegetables and fruits, coupled with regular exercise can significantly reduce one’s risk for developing colorectal cancer. Regular screening of average risk men and women starting at age 50 can help prevent the disease by detecting and removing pre-cancerous polyps, as well as detecting colorectal cancer in the earliest, most curable stages.  Despite the widespread availability of highly effective screening tests, colorectal cancer screening lags far behind screening for other cancers such as breast (mammography), and cervical (pap smears). Many women are unaware that once they turn 50, they should be screened yearly. Those who have a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or polyps or a personal history of long-term inflammatory bowel disease need to be screened before age 50, as well as women with a personal or family history of ovarian, endometrial or breast cancer. 

Colorectal cancer screening costs are covered by Medicare and many commercial health plans. If you are at risk for colorectal cancer, make an appointment today with your health care provider to discuss which of the available procedures is best for you and how often you should be screened. Colorectal cancer screening is not going to be the high point of anyone’s day, but the tests are simple and painless. A colonoscopy is a visual examination of the rectum and entire colon performed in an endoscopy unit. If polyps are found, they can be removed during this procedure. The exam may be uncomfortable, but it is not painful. The doctor may give you some medication to make you feel relaxed and sleepy, and recommended testing is every 5-10 years. A few moments of discomfort are worth the peace of mind knowing that you have increased markedly the likelihood that you will lead a long and healthy life. 

Ask your doctor about colon cancer screening. To schedule an appointment for colon cancer screening, call 954-202-0277 or visit us online at http://www.holy-cross.com/outpatient-services.
 

Elie Schochet, MD, Colorectal Surgery | 1960 NE 47th St. Suite 102 | 954-772-4553
www.holycrosscancer.com

Tags: colon cancer, colon cancer in women, early detection of colon cancer, prevent colon cancer
Posted in Colon Cancer |

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