COLORECTAL CANCER

Here you can learn:

• Risk Factors

• What to Look For

• How to Prevent Colorectal Cancer

• Resources and Links

This is one of the most common cancers in both men and women.  The term colorectal refers to two parts of the lower intestine.  Cancer develops when cells that line the colon and rectum begin to grow out of control.

Colorectal cancer is highly preventable, treatable and often curable.  Learn the facts – talk with your health care provider about colorectal screening.

Risk Factors:

Your risk to develop colorectal cancer increases if you

• Eat a lot of fat and meat.

• Eat little fibre, fruits and vegetables.

• Have polyps on the bowel wall.  Polyps may become cancerous over time, so removing them is an important way to prevent colorectal cancer.

• Are more than 50 years old.

• Have a family history of the disease, as in having a close relative who has had colorectal cancer or other cancers such as uterine or stomach cancer.

• Have familial polyposis or ulcerative colitis.

What to look for:

• A change in bowel habits such as diarrhea, constipation, or both;  if they last more than two weeks.

• Frequent or constant cramps, if they last for more than two weeks.           

• Frequent gas pains.

• Blood on or in the stool.

• Stools that are narrower than usual.

• Stomach bloating, fullness, or cramps.

• A strong and continuing need to move your bowels, but with little stool.

• A feeling that the bowel does not empty completely.

• Unexplained weight loss.

• Constantly feeling tired.

How to Prevent Colorectal Cancer:

• Eat less fat in your diet.

• Eat more fiber.

• Eat 5 – 10 fruits and vegetables every day.

• If you are at risk of developing colorectal cancer, see your health practitioner regularly to discuss your options.

• If you experience any of the above symptoms, see your health practitioner.

Links:

Colorectal Cancer Association of Canada  (1-888-318-9442). www.ccac-accc.ca

Canadian Cancer Society (1-888-939-3333)  www.cancer.ca