Could You Be at Risk for Colorectal Cancer?

Posted by Cancer Center Las Colinas on July 24th, 2019

Colorectal cancer comes third among the most common cancers diagnosed in the U.S. The number of deaths has been reducing over the years but estimates for 2019 stand at over 50,000. That remains a high figure, making it essential to learn more about it. It develops when abnormal cells divide overwhelmingly and form a tumor.

More important information about this disease includes:

•    Risk factors include age, where the risk increases after 40 years; a family history of colorectal cancer or polyposis; diet, where consuming red and processed meats increase the risk by between 20 and 30 percent; obesity increases the risk by 30 percent while regular physical activity reduces it by 20 percent; smoking can cause polyps which can then develop into cancerous tumors and consuming alcohol significantly increases the risk to about 60 percent.

•    If any of the risk factors apply to you, it is important to go for screening. Screening will help determine whether you have cancer or not. A colonoscopy can catch precancerous cells which can then be removed, thus keeping them from developing into cancer. Screening can help detect cancer in its early stages thus giving doctors a chance to effectively treat it. Early detection coupled with proper treatment provides a 90 percent five-year survival rate.

•    Colorectal cancer is preventable, for the most part. Eating healthy and including adequate fiber and water in the diet, getting some physical exercise and generally leading a healthy lifestyle significantly reduces the risk of developing colorectal cancer.  

Colorectal cancer is most common in people older than 50 but recent statistics show an increase in the number of people under 49 years developing this disease. For this reason, the recommended age for screening is now 45, down from 50. Anyone in this age group should consider talking to a doctor about screening and possible prevention options.

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At Las Colinas Cancer Center, a Choice Cancer Care Treatment Center, our team is committed to providing the personalized, compassionate treatment that can make all the difference in cancer care.