News Feature                   For Immediate Release

March 12, 2004

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

Colorectal cancer (cancer of the colon or rectum) is the second leading cause of cancer death overall in men and women.  It surpasses both breast and prostate cancer in mortality and is second only to lung cancer in the number of cancer deaths. 

Each year an almost equal number of men and women are diagnosed.  Last year an estimated 18,000 Canadians were diagnosed with colorectal cancer and approximately 8,300 died from this disease.

Healthy lifestyle choices can help to lower the risk of colorectal cancer.  Stopping smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly and following a diet that is high in fruits and vegetables and low in fat reduces the risk of this and numerous other diseases.

About 90% of colorectal cancers develop from benign polyps (grapelike growths) that grow on the lining of the colon.  Over a number of years, polyps may form pre-cancerous cells that may eventually become cancerous.  Removal of pre-cancerous polyps can prevent cancer from developing.  Early detection through regular screening is the key to both preventing colorectal cancer and increasing the number of people surviving this disease. 

The Colorectal Cancer Association and the Canadian Task Force on Preventative Health Care both recommend that people 50 years and over be screened.  The incidence of colorectal cancer increases with age.  People with a family history of inflammatory bowel disease should be screened at an earlier age.  You are encouraged to lower your risk by making healthier lifestyle choices and to discuss screening for colorectal cancer with your family physician.  Colorectal cancer is preventable, treatable and beatable.

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For more information:

Dr. Hazel Lynn

Medical Officer of Health

Grey Bruce Health Unit

376-9420