February 29, 2008

OKLAHOMA CITY - March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month and INTEGRIS Health is trying to spread the word.

Colorectal cancer is cancer of the colon and/or rectum. It affects men and women equally. In fact, it is the 3rd most frequently diagnosed cancer for men and women in both Oklahoma and the United States. It is also the 4th leading cause of cancer death in men and women for both the state and the nation.

The American Cancer Society estimates roughly 1,880 Oklahomans were diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2007. Approximately 720 Oklahomans died last year because of the disease.

This is hard to believe since colorectal cancer is one of the few cancers that has screening tests available which allow for earlier detection. When colorectal cancer is found early and treated, the 5-year relative survival rate is 90 percent. But because screening rates are low, less than 40 percent of colorectal cancers are found early.

That’s where YOU come in. We are hoping the media will help encourage more Oklahomans to get tested. We have three colon cancer survivors who are willing to share their stories with the public and physicians who have also agreed to be interviewed.

Please contact Brooke Cayot, INTEGRIS Media Relations for interview requests:

Brooke Cayot
INTEGRIS Media Relations
951-4821
629-3204 pgr.

Colon Cancer Facts
[More Colon Cancer Information]

PREVENTION
Colorectal cancer is one of the most easily prevented cancers because it can develop from polyps that can be removed before they become cancerous.

• Get regular screening tests.
• Exercise regularly, and maintain a healthy weight.
• Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
• Don't smoke, and don't drink alcohol excessively.

RISK

• Men and women age 50 and older
• People with a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or benign (not cancerous) colorectal polyps
• People with a personal or family history of inflammatory bowel disease - ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease
• People with a family history of inherited colorectal cancer
• People who use tobacco, are obese and are sedentary

SYMPTOMS
In the early stages, there may not be any symptoms. Later, these symptoms may appear: 

• Rectal bleeding and/or blood in or on the stool (bright red)
• Change in bowel habits and/or stools that are narrower than usual
• Stomach discomfort (bloating, fullness and/or cramps) and frequent gas pains
• Diarrhea, constipation or feeling that the bowel does not empty completely
• Weight loss for no apparent reason and/or constant tiredness
• Vomiting

EARLY DETECTION
Men and women at average risk should begin regular screening at age 50. If you are at greater risk, you may need to begin regular colorectal cancer screening at an earlier age.

• A colonoscopy every 10 years
• A fecal occult blood test (FOBT) or fecal immunohistochemical test (FIT) every year, followed by a colonoscopy if something abnormal is found
• A flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years, in combination with yearly FOBT or FIT

TREATMENT

• Surgery is the most common treatment.
• Chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy when the cancer has spread.