STOPPING A TREATABLE CANCER

     Only 65 percent of the adults who should be screened, a government survey has found.  Colorectal cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. for both men and women.  (Lung cancer is the first.)  The top three reasons for not getting screened for colorectal cancer were:

·        The failure of a health-care professional to suggest testing.

·        A lack of awareness about whether they should be screened.

·        A belief that testing is too costly.  Medicare and new private insurance plans are required to cover most types of colorectal cancer screening with no co-payments or deductibles.)

     Patients said they avoided colorectal cancer screening because they considered it “too embarrassing” or feared the results.  They also dreaded preparing for it.  Colorectal cancer usually develops over 10 to 15 years without causing symptoms.  Most cases start as non-cancerous polyps in the lining of the large intestine or its final segment, the rectum.  Removing these cancerous growths can be done early.  “We are talking about the opportunity to prevent cancer from occurring,” says Durado D. Brooks, M.D., M.P.H., director of prostate and colorectal cancer programs for the American Cancer Society.

          FOLLOW AN ANTICANCER LIFESTYLE

·        Eat less red meat and processed meats that use carcinogenic chemicals.

·        Eat more vegetables, fruit and fiber.  Those who met goals for cutting fat and consumed at least 18 grams of fiber and 3.5 servings of fruit and vegetables per 1,000 calories each day were less likely to develop new polyps during a study of 1900 people during 21 studies.

·        Exercise.  Sedentary people are likely twice as likely to develop colorectal cancer as highly active exercisers.

·        Maintain a healthy weight.  A waist size that exceeds 35 inches for women and 40 inches for men could be a more important risk than overall body weight. 

·        Don’t rely too much on drugs or supplements, aspirin, related NSAIDs and calcium supplements.

·        Limit alcohol to one drink a day and of course don’t smoke.