How you
can avoid falling victim to the second-most-deadly cancer
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[May 20, 2011]
ARA --A
new survey shows 72 percent of Americans polled are not
aware that colon cancer is the second most deadly cancer in the U.S.
Colonoscopy. That simple word can make the bravest people
cringe. Yet it's a routine procedure that could help save the lives
of the 150,000 men and women diagnosed with colon cancer in the U.S.
each year.
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Men and women are recommended to begin screening at age 50, or even
earlier if there is a family history of colon cancer. Despite these
guidelines, alarming results from a new survey of 1,000 Americans
sponsored by the Colon Cancer Alliance (CCA) and the makers of
Dulcolax (R) products found that more than a quarter of respondents
50 years and older (27 percent) have not been screened, and the
reason most often cited is that they do not have a family history of
colon cancer. Moreover, of those aged 50 and older who have yet to
be screened, 60 percent would be more concerned about the
preparation than the actual procedure.
The good news is, if diagnosed early, colon cancer is 90 percent
curable. So it's important that all men and women over the age of 50
talk to their doctors about getting screened.
If you have avoided screening in the past, you're not alone.
Renowned American fashion designer and colon cancer survivor Carmen
Marc Valvo can relate.
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Valvo was fortunate enough to receive an early diagnosis after being
screened for the disease. "I certainly understand why people are
hesitant to be examined, but the fact is, it's not nearly as
uncomfortable as you might imagine, and nothing to be embarrassed
about," says Valvo. "Any discomfort experienced during the screening
is surely outweighed by the benefits of preventing cancer from
developing or catching it in its early stages."
While nine in 10 new cases of colon cancer occur in those who are 50
and older, family history also plays a role. After he was diagnosed,
Valvo found out that two of his relatives had also been diagnosed
with colon cancer.
"With regular screenings, prevention and early detection is
possible," adds Michael Kreines, MD, FACG, FAGA, FACP, Ohio
Gastroenterology and Liver Institute, member of the Colon Cancer
Alliance Medical Scientific Advisory Board. "A colonoscopy is now
considered a routine test that has saved countless lives over the
years."
Valvo has teamed up with the Colon Cancer Alliance and the makers of
Dulcolax (R) products to help raise awareness about the disease and
the need for screening. He is also donating all proceeds from his
latest book, "Dressed to Perfection: The Art of Dressing for Your
Red Carpet Moments," to support colon cancer research and
organizations like the Colon Cancer Alliance. A portion of proceeds
from the purchase of Dulcolax (R) products supports free colon
cancer screenings for those in need.
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In addition to regular screenings and researching your family
medical history, here are a few things that you can do to promote
good colon health, courtesy of the Colon Cancer Alliance and the
makers of Dulcolax (R) products:
* Drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day.
* Exercise for a half hour at least three times a week.
* Make sure you eat plenty of fiber. This should include two to four
servings of vegetables per day. Other foods high in fiber include
high-bran cereals, grainy breads such as whole wheat, pumpernickel
and rye, fresh or dried fruits - especially prunes or apricots - and
high-fiber beans, such as chickpeas and lima beans.
It's also important to note that colon cancer affects men and women
equally. For more information about colon cancer and the screening
process, visit www.ccalliance.org.
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