Colon Cancer Survivor Encourages Viewers to Get Screened
By: Laura Kirtley
Updated: March 4, 2013
One-year colon cancer survivor Karla Davis talks about the importance of a colonoscopy in the prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer.
From cancer.org
In many cases, Colorectal cancer can be prevented. Still, it's one of the 5 most common cancers in men and women in the United States. Colorectal cancer is also one of the leading causes of cancer death in the United States. Don't let these 5 common myths stop you from getting the lifesaving tests you need, when you need them.
Myth: Colorectal cancer is a man's disease.
Truth: Colorectal cancer is
just as common among women as men. Each year, about 150,000 Americans are
diagnosed with Colorectal cancer, and more than 50,000 die from it.
Myth: Colorectal cancer cannot be prevented.
Truth: In many cases
Colorectal cancer can be prevented. Colorectal cancer almost always starts with
a small growth called a polyp. If the polyp is found early, doctors can remove
it and stop Colorectal cancer before it starts. These tests can find polyps:
double contrast barium enema, flexible sigmoidoscopy, Colonoscopy, or CT
colonography (virtual Colonoscopy). Talk to your doctor about which test is best
for you.
Other ways to help lower your chances of getting Colorectal
cancer:
Get to and stay at a healthy weight throughout life; stay lean without
being underweight.
Be physically active; limit the time you spend sitting, lying down,
watching TV, etc.
Eat at least 2 cups of vegetables and fruits each day.
Choose whole grains over refined grain products.
Limit the amount of red meat and processed meat you eat.
If you drink alcohol, limit the amount to 1 drink per day for women, 2 per
day for men.
Don't use tobacco in any form.
Myth: African Americans are not at risk for Colorectal
cancer.
Truth: African-American men
and women are diagnosed with and die from Colorectal cancer at higher rates than
men and women of any other US racial or ethnic group. The reason for this is not
yet understood.
Myth: Age doesn't matter when it comes to getting Colorectal
cancer.
Truth: More than 90% of all
Colorectal cancers are found in people who are 50 and older. For this reason,
the American Cancer Society recommends you start getting checked for this cancer
when you are 50. People who are at a higher risk for Colorectal cancer--such as
those who have colon or rectal cancer in their families--may need to begin
testing when they are younger. Ask your doctor when you should start getting
tested and how often you should be tested.
Myth: It's better not to get tested for Colorectal cancer
because it's deadly anyway.
Truth: Colorectal cancer is
often highly treatable. If it's found and treated early (while it's small and
before it has spread), the 5-year survival rate is about 90%. But because many
people are not getting tested, only about 4 out of 10 are diagnosed at this
early stage when treatment is most likely to be successful.
