Better Health. No Hassles. Colon Cancer Cancer of the large intestine 112,000 people are diagnosed annually 41,000 new cases of rectal cancer annually Most colon cancers begin as small polyps and overtime some become cancers They may be small and produce few if any symptoms

Better Health. No Hassles. Symptoms A change in bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation and consistency of your stool for > 2 weeks Rectal bleeding or blood in stool Persistent abdominal pain Abdominal pain with bowel movement A feeling that your bowel doesn’t empty completely Weakness or fatigue Unexplained weight loss

Better Health. No Hassles. Types of Polyps ADenomas - These have cancer potential and are removed during colonoscopy Hyperplastic - Rarely if ever a cancer risk. Inflammatory - Some can become cancerous. Ulcerative colitis increases cancer risk !

Better Health. No Hassles. Risk Factors Age - 90% with diagnosis are >50yrs.Can occur in younger people but less frequently. Personal history - If you had it already risk increases. Inflammatory colon conditions - Ulcerative colitis and Crohns disease. Family history Diet - Risk if low fiber and high in fat. Western society v.s. developing countries Sedentary lifestyle - Waste stays in your colon longer. Diabetes

Better Health. No Hassles. Risk Factors Obesity Smoking Alcohol Radiation Therapy for Cancer

Better Health. No Hassles. When To Seek Medical Advice? Blood in stool or persistent change in bowel habits Begin screening at age 50 earlier if risk factors

Better Health. No Hassles. Tests and Diagnosis Stool Blood Test Flexible Sigmoidoscopy Barium Enema Colonoscopy – Best - can remove polyps at time of exam – Bad News - need laxative bowel cleansing – Good New - most people sedated Virtual Colonoscopy – CT scan takes images of colon BUT if polyp removal needed you still need conventional colonoscopy

Better Health. No Hassles. Treatment Colectomy – Removal of diseased part of bowel Chemotherapy – Drugs destroy cancer cells – Side effects may cause nausea, vomiting, mouth sores, fatigue, hair loss and diarrhea Radiation Therapy – X-rays used to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors

Better Health. No Hassles. Prevention Get screened Lifestyle changes to reduce risk Eat fruits, vegetables and whole grains Limit fat Vitamins – B-6, Calcium, B-9, spinach, lettuce, beans, melons, bananas, broccoli and orange juice Limit alcohol Stop smoking Physical activity Aspirin – 1 a day 81mg coated after age 50yrs, will keep the cardiologist, neurologist, gastroenterologist and oncologist away