PREVENTION OF COLORECTAL CANCER

Even though the exact cause of most colorectal cancer is not known, it is possible to prevent the majority of colon cancers. Following screening guidelines can lower the number of cases of the disease by detecting and removing polyps that could become cancerous, and can also lower the death rate from colorectal cancer by finding disease early when it is highly curable.

Prevention and early detection are possible because most colon cancers develop from adenomatous polyps. Polyps are precancerous growths in the colon and rectum. Removing them can lower a person's risk by preventing colorectal cancers before they form.

People can lower their risk of developing colorectal cancer by managing the risk factors they can control, such as:

· Diet - it is important to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grain foods and fiber and to limit intake of high-fat foods.

· Physical activity - even small amounts of exercise on a regular basis can be helpful. Strang recommends at least 30 minutes of physical activity on most days.

· Achieve and maintain a healthy weight

· Take a daily multivitamin - containing folic acid or folate and Vitamin D.

· Increase calcium intake - via supplements or low-fat dairy products may lower risk.

Studies of vitamin A, C, and E supplements have yielded conflicting results, and additional research is needed.

Approximately 20 epidemiologic studies have found that individuals who regularly use aspirin and other non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have 40% to 50% lower risk of colorectal cancer and adenomatous polyps. Strang is leading a large international study to evaluate whether celecoxib (Celebrex®), a new type of NSAID, is less likely to cause stomach ulcers and bleeding. Celecoxib (Celebrex®) has recently been approved by the FDA for reducing polyp formation in those with the inherited disease familial adenomatous polyposis.

There are other risk factors, such as a strong family history of colorectal cancer, which cannot be controlled. Those who have a history of colorectal cancer in their family, may be able to prevent the disease. They should ask their doctors for information and advice about prevention and early detection. For example, individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer may benefit from starting screening at a younger age. Genetic tests can help determine which members of certain families have inherited a high risk for developing colorectal cancer.

Since some colorectal cancers cannot be prevented, finding them early is the best way to improve the chance of a cure and reduce the number of deaths caused by this disease.