Mike Pirtle: Steps you can take to prevent colon cancer on The Murfreesboro Post

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Date: Tue, Feb 9, 2010

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Mike Pirtle: Steps you can take to prevent colon cancer

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By: By MIKE PIRTLE, Publisher

A couple of years ago two of my high school classmate died within a year from colon cancer. Last week I learned someone else close to me is now threatened by the disease.

It didn’t have to be.

Colon cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. It is also one of the most common, the third deadliest in our state.

In the vast number of cases colon cancer can be prevented by routine testing and early detection. The screening procedure apparently makes a lot of folk hesitant because it is certainly invasive. But, having had a number of tests because of early onset of spastic colon syndrome, I can tell you this is what I remember about the procedure … 100, 99, 98 …

Then you wake up, are driven home and get a really, really good night’s sleep.

I absolutely guarantee you every victim of colon cancer will tell you the cancer is much, much, much worse than the routine test.

March is colon cancer awareness month.

I plead with you to be aware. Lots of cancers, heart problems and other health problems we can’t avoid ultimately despite good habits.

Colon cancer can be prevented. Don’t be a needless victim.

Here’s the top 10 things you can do to prevent colon cancer as found online at coloncancer.about.com.
The most important one is the second one. If you haven’t been screened, do it.
Here’s the list:
Colon cancer is one of the most common, and yet preventable, cancers. To help protect yourself and your loved ones from the disease, follow these ten colon cancer prevention tips.

1. Go to a doctor if you have any colon cancer symptoms.
Usually, colon cancer doesn't have any symptoms. However, in the later stages, symptoms may include thin stools, cramping, unexplained weight loss, and bloody stools. (Learn more about this colon cancer prevention tip.)

2. If you're 50 or older, schedule a colon cancer screening.
Then actually go to the appointment. More than 90 percent of people diagnosed with colon cancer are 50 or older and the average age of diagnosis is 64. Research indicates that by age 50, one in four people has polyps (colon cancer precursors).

3. Eat a balanced diet.
Diets high in fat and cholesterol (especially from animal sources) have been linked to increased colon cancer risk. High-fiber diets, however, have shown a protective effect. (Learn more about this colon cancer prevention tip.)

4. Maintain a healthy weight.
All other things equal, obese men seem to be more at risk for colon cancer than obese women. Also, certain body types seem to influence risk more than others. Studies indicate that extra fat in the waist (an apple shape) increases colon cancer risk more than extra fat in the thighs or hips (a pear shape). (Learn more about this colon cancer prevention tip.)

5. Maintain an active lifestyle.
Research indicates that exercising can reduce colon cancer risk by as much as 40 percent. Exercise also tends to reduce the incidence of other risk factors for colon cancer, like obesity and diabetes. (Learn more about this colon cancer prevention tip.)

6. Consider genetic counseling.
People who carry genetic mutations linked to hereditary colon cancer are the most likely to develop the disease. If someone in your family has FAP or HNPCC, or if you're of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, you should seriously consider adding genetic counseling to your colon cancer prevention plan. (Learn more about this colon cancer prevention tip.)

7. Learn your family medical history.
Did you know your family medical history can impact your chances of developing colon cancer? When discussing colon cancer prevention with your doctor, remember to mention if family members have had polyps or colon cancer. Other cancers (such as stomach, liver, and bone) may also be relevant. (Learn more about this colon cancer prevention tip.)

8. Talk to a doctor about your personal medical history.
As you may have guessed, discussing your own medical history is extremely important when it comes to colon cancer prevention. Sometimes we feel like doctors aren't interested in what we have to say, so we try to answer their questions as quickly and succinctly as possible. But it's alright - and advisable - to talk about your health history. Of particular concern are polyps, certain cancers, and chronic inflammation of the bowel - all of which can increase the risk of developing colon cancer. (Learn more about this colon cancer prevention tip.)

9. Don't smoke.
Yes, it's a risk factor for colon cancer too. Smoking increases your risk for two main reasons. First, inhaled or swallowed tobacco smoke transports carcinogens to the colon. Second, tobacco use appears to increase polyp size. (Learn more about this colon cancer prevention tip.)

10. Reduce radiation exposure.
Is radiation really relevant to colon cancer prevention? The short answer is yes. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, colon cancer has been caused by doses of about 1,000 millisieverts. So, what the heck is a millisievert and how do you keep from racking up 1,000 of them? (Learn more about this colon cancer prevention tip.)

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By: ShariHowerton on 3/23/08
Mike, I am so glad to see this piece. My mom died needlessly of colon cancer two weeks after her 49th birthday (over 20 years ago now). She lived a healthy lifestyle. She never drank or smoke. She walked several miles a day. She always maintained a healthy weight. Yet she was diagnosed with advanced colon cancer at 48 (the age I am today). It was very painful to witness those last seven months and I spent every day at her side, as well as many nights. Please take this from me, someone who knows what this experience is like, a colonoscopy is nothing compared to what my mom went through. It may seem invasive or unpleasant, but it is nothing compared to colon cancer that has been undiagnosed until late stage and life-threatening. I wish everyone would get this screening. Colon cancer is so preventable. I have been getting regular colonoscopies since my mid-thirties because of my family history. I have never even had a polyp. But I will continue to have them however often my doctor thinks necessary. I wish everyone would. I wish my mom had. She had symptoms for over a year and attributed them to diverticulitis. She put off going back for follow-up exams because she didn't like to go to the doctor and she prided herself on not "babying" herself. It cost her her life. And it cost me having a mom for the last twenty years. I'm not trying to be overly dramatic. I just want the message to sink in with everyone who may be reading this. Nobody should die of colon cancer with the availability of such a simple and painless procedure.

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