Prevention is Key: Early Detection of Colorectal Cancer
Can Save Your Life

Gender and Ethnic Disparities in Diagnoses and Screening Rates:

Colorectal cancer, commonly called colon cancer, is the third most common cancer diagnosed among both men and women in the United States, and the second leading cause of cancer death. Although rates of this disease have been going down in recent years, they could be even lower if all people who should be screened actually got screened, according to the American Cancer Society.

Colorectal cancer is cancer of the colon and/or the rectum.  For most cases, colorectal cancer develops over the course of several years by starting as a simple growth of tissue (polyp) or as a flat lesion in the lining of the colon or rectum. With low-cost colorectal cancer screening, these growths can be detected early and removed.

According to the American Cancer Society, it is estimated that in 2008 alone, 14,500 colorectal cases will be diagnosed in California and over 5,000 Californians are expected to die from colorectal cancer – it has been the seventh leading cause of death in Los Angeles County since 1997.

Nationwide, more than 148,000 cases of colorectal cancer will be diagnosed, with almost 78,000 cases in men. According to the Office of Women’s Health (PDF), screening rates overall are very low for women in Los Angeles County compared with rates of other preventive screening tests such as mammography and Pap tests. African American women have the highest mortality rate for colorectal cancer compared to other ethnic groups. Also striking is the very low screening rate for women without health insurance.

It is very important to spread awareness of this disease, including its risk factors as well as ways to help prevent it and detect it early.

Risk Factors and Prevention:

Many factors have been found to increase the risk of colorectal cancer. The risk factors that can be modified include: smoking, poor diet and little exercise, being overweight, alcohol intake, and having diabetes. 

There are many preventive strategies which include: a good diet with plenty of grains, exercise, vitamins (particularly vitamin D), limiting alcohol intake, not smoking and, of course, getting a screening test. 

There are several different screening tests that can be used to find colorectal cancer early. Consult your health care provider about which screening test is right for you.

Be Active, Eat Smart, Don’t Smoke, Get Checked! Prevention Matters!

 For More Information:

American Cancer Society’s Colon and Rectum Cancer Page.
National Cancer Institute’s Colon and Rectal Cancer Page.