As a Doctor of Nursing, a Certified Senior Care Specialist, and owner of Home Helpers Wheaton & Naperville, I have had more than a few opportunities to know senior men and women who were battling colorectal cancer.
In fact, a friend of mine informed me that her paternal grandfather had been diagnosed with colorectal cancer in his 60s, and following surgery to remove a section of his large intestines, he wore a colostomy bag for the duration of his life. Colorectal cancer was not what killed him, though. He had a massive heart attack on a cruise ship in the Bahamas that ultimately took the man’s life in 1995.
Nearly 20 years later, research shows that more adults under the age of 55 are being diagnosed with this dreadful disease than ever before. This is possibly due to hereditary factors, diets consisting of too many highly processed foods, too much red meat and unhealthy fats, and complications from ulcerative colitis or Chron’s disease, to name a few.
Since statistics are rising and March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, I have chosen to proactively gather and share accurate information about the disease, through frequently asked questions (FAQs) about colorectal cancer from the Illinois Department of Health, HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital Breese, and the American Society of Colorectal Surgeons, so you can be sufficiently informed with the proper information about the disease to have a discussion with your doctor and schedule your critical colon cancer screenings.
What is colorectal cancer?
Colorectal cancer is cancer of the colon and rectum that begins with the development of pre-cancerous polyps from the lining of the colon and rectum.
What is a polyp?
Polyps are mushroom-like growths that form when cells lining the colon grow, divide, and reproduce in an unhealthy, disorderly way. Polyps can become cancerous over time, invading the colon wall and surrounding blood vessels, and spreading to other parts of the body.
What causes colorectal cancer?
The exact causes of colorectal cancer are unknown, but the disease appears to be caused by both inherited and lifestyle factors. Lifestyle factors - such as cigarette smoking, lack of physical exercise, and obesity - may increase the risk of developing the disease. Genetic factors may determine a person's susceptibility to the disease, whereas dietary and other lifestyle factors may determine which at-risk individuals actually go on to develop the disease. Most of the time no identifiable cause is found for the development of colorectal cancer in any given individual, and it is simply due to random genetic changes that have occurred in the cells lining the colon or rectum.
How common is colorectal cancer in Illinois?
Illinois has among the highest rates of colorectal cancer in the United States—a range of 42.3 to 48.4 per 100,000 individuals, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Each year, an estimated 6,600 Illinoisans will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer, and more than 2,400 people will die from it.
These statistics can be alarming, but they don’t have to be—a screening is fast (about 30 minutes), has minimal discomfort, and can save your life.
How common is colorectal cancer in the United States?
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of death from cancer in the United States, and the third most common cancer overall. This year, more than 56,000 Americans will die from colorectal cancer and more than 140,000 new cases will be diagnosed. In fact, more women over the age of 75 die from colorectal cancer than from breast cancer. Eighty to 90 million Americans (approximately 25 percent of the U.S. population) are considered at risk because of age or other factors. (American Cancer Society Website)
Who is at risk for colorectal cancer?
Men and women aged 50 or older are at almost equal risk of developing colorectal cancer. Those who have a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or polyps are at higher risk of developing the disease. Anyone who has a long-term personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (Ulcerative Colitis or Crohn’s Disease) also is at higher risk.
How can you prevent colorectal cancer?
See your doctor for yearly screenings if you are aged 45* or older. Be sure to maintain a diet low in animal fat and high in fruits, vegetables and fiber. Get regular exercise and avoid cigarette smoking. Keep alcohol consumption in moderation. Colon Cancer screening tests can identify and allow removal of pre-cancerous polyps and prevent the development of cancer.
*In 2018, secondary to new data on the increased risks of colon cancer in those under 50, the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgery changed recommendations to consider starting screening at age 45.
What are the screening options for detecting colorectal cancer?
Screening tests are the best way to find and remove polyps before they become cancerous, or to find an early cancer, when treatment can be most effective.
Several screening options exist. These include the fecal occult blood test (FOBT), flexible sigmoidoscopy, double contrast barium enema, and colonoscopy. Patients should talk to their colorectal surgeon or another healthcare provider to find out which screening method is right for them.
If a compassionate Home Helpers® caregiver can make life easier by providing a variety of in-home care services for you or a loved one at risk of or suffering from colorectal cancer, I gladly offer a FREE Consultation to assess specific needs and discuss all the ways Home Helpers® can be of assistance. Our highly skilled, professional caregivers provide help with colonoscopy preps, transportation assistance to doctor appointments, cancer screenings, and cancer treatments, nutritious meal planning and preparation, and so much more!
Home Helpers® Wheaton & Naperville is proudly Making Life Easier℠ for veterans and those with disabilities, illness, or recovering from injury or surgery in Aurora, Bartlett, Bloomingdale, Hanover Park, Hoffman Estate, Roselle, Itasca, Medinah, Naperville, Plainfield, Schaumburg, Warrenville, West Chicago, Wheaton, and Winfield.
Our team is honored to have received the Home Care Pulse – Best of Home Care® Leader in Experience, Provider of Choice, and the Employer of Choice Awards 2023, as well as the 2022 Super Star Award from Caring.com. Contact our award-winning team today if we can help make life easier for you or a loved one: 630.800.3837
Sources:
Illinois Department of Health
HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital Breese
American Society of Colorectal Surgeons
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
