Mar 25, 2008 4:43 pm US/Eastern
CBS4 "Test For Life" Colorectal Campaign
Click here for more information on CBS4.COM/Colorectal
MIAMI (CBS4) ―
CBS 4 "The Test For Life" campaign stresses the importance of getting tested for colon cancer and you can be tested for free. Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. and with few specific signs or symptoms, the only hope of catching it early is to get screened. That's why CBS4 is kicking off "The Test For Life" campaign.
About 150,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with cancer of the colon or rectum every year, and about 50,000 will die from the disease. It strikes men and women equally.
Dr. Michael Hellinger from Mount Sinai Hospital said it's curable if caught early, but deadly when it's not.
"There's over 125,000 new cases every year, and about 50 to 60 thousand people die in the United States every year," explained Hellinger.
Unfortunately, one cannot do anything about the single biggest risk factor for colorectal cancer: age. Ninety percent of cases occur in people over age 50.
Mount Sinai Hospital's Dr. Michael Hellinger said all men and women are at risk. "There really is no – quote - protypical individual – unquote - we're all at risk of developing colorectal cancer."
While family history, inflammatory and genetic conditions raise the risk too, one's own habits play an important role.
Smokers are not only more likely to develop colon cancer, they're more likely to die from the disease.
Heavy alcohol drinking, that is, nine or more drinks a week, can triple the risk of colon cancer, but moderate red wine could protect someone.
Unfortunately, the fiber in fruits and vegetables may not be as protective as once thought. Dr. Henry Wodnicki, also from Mount Sinai said the diet in Western culture consisting of high red meat and animal fats likely raises risk, too.
He added, "People who tend to eat red meat three times a week are at much higher risk of developing polyps or potentially cancers."
Dr. Hellinger said, "Diets where the predominant intake is red meats, animal fats, and there really is no roughage in the diet is really of concern."
A sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and Type-2 diabetes all raise the risk, while an active lifestyle, and a heart-healthy diet seem to be protective.
"The recommendation is just to be healthy," said Dr. Hellinger. "We know it's going to protect you from heart disease, and it may protect you from colorectal cancer."
Diets high in calcium such as dairy foods might lower your risk. Adding a little broccoli and cauliflower might help cut the risk, as well as a baby aspirin every day.
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