Colon Cancer – Things You Might Not Know…But Should

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States.  Each year, 150,000 Americans will be diagnosed with the disease, and about 50,000 people will die from it.

But the good news is that colorectal cancer is both preventable and treatable. 

Dr. Maxwell Chait, a gastroenterologist from ColumbiaDoctors Medical Group in Hartsdale, says many myths surround colorectal cancer and he helped us set the record straight.

Myth: Colon cancer affects only men.

Fact: Dr. Chait says, “Women and men face the same risk—there is no difference.”

Myth: You don’t need to be screened if you have regular bowel movements and no symptoms.

Fact: According to Dr. Chait, early-stage colon cancer has no symptoms.  Therefore, he says, “Everyone should be screened starting at age 50.”

Myth: If you don’t have a family history of colon cancer, you don’t need to get screened.

Fact:  “This is completely untrue,” says Dr. Chait. “A majority of colon cancer patients have no family history of the disease.”

Myth: Once colorectal cancer is diagnosed, it’s too late to do anything.

Fact: “Early detection is extremely important,” Dr. Chait says. “Often, early diagnosis leads to a complete cure.”

Dr. Chait points out that the risk of colon cancer increases after the age of 50. In fact, 90 percent of cases occur in those 50 or older. That’s why it is recommended to start screening at 50. But, he added, if a person has a family history of colon cancer, screenings should begin earlier.

In the meantime, there are things you can do to prevent colorectal cancer. Dr. Chait recommends the following lifestyle changes: Eat a low-fat and high-fiber diet, increase vitamin D and calcium intake, and stay away from alcohol and tobacco. Also, he adds, ask your doctor if it’s appropriate for you to take a low-dose aspirin.

Dr. Chait likes to quote the slogan of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy: “Colorectal cancer is preventable, treatable, beatable.”