The most preventable cancer

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Stefanie C. Duurvoort
  • 60th Medical Operations Squadron
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  What do Audrey Hepburn, Vince Lombardi, Pope John Paul II, Ronald Reagan and Sharon Osborne all have in common? They all had, or were treated for colorectal cancer. 

March is Colorectal Awareness Month, highlighting the third most common, second most deadly, but most easily preventable cancer. It is estimated that nearly 150,000 people were diagnosed with this type of cancer in 2008, with close to 50,000 fatalities. 

"Colorectal cancer occurs when cells grow and multiply uncontrollably and form polyps in the colon, rectum and appendix," said Dr. (Maj.) Brant Lutsi, 60th Medical Operations Squadron staff physician in Gastroenterology. "These cells can spread, or metastasize, to other parts of the body," he explained. 

According to Dr. Lutsi, risks for developing this type of cancer include: being age 50 or older, use of alcohol and tobacco, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, personal or family history of cancerous or benign polyps, and personal or family history of inflammatory bowel disease (i.e., ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease). 

Unfortunately signs and symptoms are usually vague in its early stages, such as rectal bleeding, blood in the stool, lower abdominal pain or cramping, unexplained weight loss, constant fatigue, and/or prolonged diarrhea or constipation. Many colorectal symptoms do not define cancer, but if you experience one or more of these symptoms for over two weeks, contact your primary care manager. 

"Early detection is the key in fighting against colorectal cancer and the easiest method is a simple colonoscopy," explained Capt. Alma Shapiro, 60 Medical Operations Squadron nurse manager for the Gastroenterology clinic. "Usually, a colonoscopy screening is recommended at age 50, but if you are at a higher risk, it is recommended to get examined earlier. The best time to be screened is before symptoms occur." 

"A colonoscopy is a procedure in which a camera is used to visually inspect the lining of the colon to detect and remove colon polyps before they turn into cancer," Captain Shapiro said. 

Captain Shapiro emphasized that you can also reduce your risk for colorectal cancer by eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and fiber, limiting fat intake to 30 percent of total daily calories, exercising regularly and maintaining an ideal weight. Smoking cessation and limiting alcohol consumption may also help to prevent colorectal cancer. 

"These simple lifestyle changes can reduce your risk of colorectal cancer by as much as 80 percent," said Captain Shapiro. 

Want more information? Stop by the Gastroenterology clinic at David Grant USAF Medical Center, or call 423-5041. Don't become a statistic. Colorectal cancer prevention starts now!