Page 17 - Senior Times South Central Michigan - October 2017 - 24-10

Colorectal Cancer:
Senior Times - October 2017
Page 17
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What You Should Know
By: Rose Baran PharmD, MA
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Early detection can make a difference.
More people who get the disease are surviving or are surviving lon- ger with the help of screening, sur- gery and/or drugs approved for the treatment of patients with colorectal cancer. Be sure to ask your doctor about a screening.
Colorectal cancer usually starts from polyps or other precancerous growths in the rectum or the colon (large intestine). People with precan- cerous growths or signs of colorectal cancer don’t always show symptoms. That’s why screening is important – doctors can see and remove growths or suspicious tissue before they become cancerous.
Your risk for colorectal cancer increases if you:
• Smoke
• Have a history of inflammatory
bowel disease, ulcerative colitis, or
Crohn’s disease
• Have a family history of colorectal
cancer
• Have a personal history of colorec-
tal cancer or colon polyps
• Have certain genetic syndromes
(for example, Lynch or FAP)
• Have diabetes
You should see your doctor also if you have any of these symptoms, even though they do not necessarily indicate colorectal cancer:
• A change in bowel habits (for example, diarrhea, constipation, feeling that the bowel does not empty all the way)
• Bright or dark blood in stool
• Stools narrower than usual
• Frequent gas pains, bloating, full-
ness, or cramps
• Weight loss for no known reason
• Feeling very tired
• Vomiting
“Regular screening, beginning
at age 50, is the key to prevent-
ing colorectal cancer,” said Alberto Gutierrez, Ph.D., an FDA expert on screening devices. “People at higher risk of developing colorectal cancer should begin screening at a younger age, and may need to be tested more frequently. Currently, individuals have several options for testing based on their risks and preferences. You should talk with your doctor to determine which screening program is right for you.”
Colonoscopy – A doctor uses this thin tube with a light and lens to
look inside the rectum and colon for growths, other abnormal tissue, or cancer. You will need to prepare for the test and will be sedated during it. Routine screening: every 10 years.
Flexible sigmoidoscopy – A doctor uses a thin tube with a light and lens to look inside the rectum and lower third of the colon for growths, other abnormal areas tissues, or cancer. This thin tube may also include a tool for removing abnormal tissue for exami- nation. You will need to prepare for the test. Routine screening: every five years.
Fecal blood test (gFOBTor FIT test) – Using an at-home kit from your physician, you take a sample of your stool and return it to a lab, where it is checked for hidden blood, sometimes a sign of cancer. If blood is found, you will need a colonoscopy to find out why. Routine screening: once a year.
Stool DNA test – Using an at-home kit from your physician, you take a sample of your stool and return it to a lab, where it is checked for blood as well as for genetic changes sometimes found in cancer and precancer cells.
If the test is positive, you will need a colonoscopy. Routine screening: every three years.
Computed tomography colonog- raphy or “virtual colonoscopy” – An X-ray imaging procedure that pro- duces 2D and 3D views of the colon from the rectum to the lower end of the small intestine as well as some visualization of the small bowel. The colon will be gently and temporarily inflated with air through a thin tube tip placed in the rectum. You will need to prepare for the test. Routine screening: every five years.
How can I reduce my risk?
A number of factors may put you at risk for colorectal cancer: your age, medical history, race or ethnicity. But you can reduce that risk. Here’s how:
• Exercise regularly and vigorously.
• Maintain a healthy diet (high in vegetables and fruits; low in red
and processed meats).
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Limit the amount of alcohol you
drink.
• Don’t smoke and avoid second-
hand smoke.
For more information about treat- ments for colorectal cancer, call 1-800-4-CANCER.
Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Consumer Updates page is the source for this article with the full article and the latest updates on FDA regulated products available at http:// www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/default. htm.
BARRY COUNTY COMMISSION ON AGING
Friendship Center Locations:
Hastings COA Building:
(269) 948-4856 Mon-Fri 10 am-2pm
Nashville Masonic Temple:
(517) 852-9182 Mon-Fri 10:30am-1pm
Delton Faith United Methodist Church
(269) 623-5400 10:30am-1pm
Woodland Eagles Club:
(269) 367-4041
Mon, Wed & Fri 10:30am-1pm
• Home Delivered Meals. For homebound seniors that are unable to pre- pare meals, can receive delicious meals at home. Special diets available. • Senior Center Activities including line dancing, card making, beading,
cards, bingo, and many others.
• Senior Meal Choice Dining. Restaurant-based senior dining program. • Chore Service provides minor home repair for seniors.
There are many more activities and opportunities to volunteer your time and talents! Just Call Barry County Commission on Aging for more information.
320 West Woodlawn Avenue, Hastings, MI 49058 Phone: (269) 948-4856 | Fax: (269) 948-3336 E-Mail: bccoa@barrycounty.org | www.barrycounty.org
Activities
❖ Bicycling
❖ Billiards
❖ Burnham Brook Singers
❖ Cards & Games
❖ Evening Dances
❖ Golf
❖ Line Dancing Lessons
❖ StampClub
❖ Tap Dancing Lessons
Hours Of Operation
 Building Hours:
Mon-Fri, 6am-9pm
Sat, 8am-3pm; Sun Closed
 Office Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm
 The Kool Family Community Center Basic Annual Membership: $55
 Call For Prices For
The Fitness Loft 269-969-8956
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200 West Michigan Avenue, Battle Creek, MI 49017  269-965-0000