Rectal Cancer, Part 2 (Screening and Prevention)

Rectal cancer is not only curable. It is also preventable. Regular colorectal cancer screening is one of the most powerful weapons for preventing rectal and colorectal cancer.

Who needs colorectal and rectal cancer screening?

If you have a family history of rectal or colorectal cancer, you might benefit from cancer screening. To review your family medical tree on the possibility of you getting the cancer, there are some hypermodern medical centers that offer genetic counseling.

If an immediate family member has had rectal or colorectal cancer and you are aware when, in terms of age, for the first time, such family member’s cancer was diagnosed, you need to have your cancer screening at an age which is ten years younger from the age when your immediate relative’s cancer was diagnosed. That is, if your father was diagnosed at the age of 50, you should have your screening the moment you reach the age of 40.

If you are 45 or older, it is of practical importance that you submit yourself to cancer screening. No matter which test you choose, the most important thing is to get tested. The most accurate screening test is colonoscopy.

Submit yourself to regular cancer surveillance studies, if you have a history of rectal or colon polyps. When abnormal cells that form into polyps are discovered, it usually takes 10 to 15 years for them to develop into colon or rectal cancer. With regular screening, most polyps can be found and removed before they have the chance to turn into cancer.

Prevention

If you are at risk of getting colon or rectal cancer, there are risk factors that you can control, like diet and physical activity.

Weight: Obesity increases the risk of colorectal cancer in both men and women. Having more belly fat or having a larger waistline has also been linked to colon and rectal cancer. Lower your risk by avoiding weight gain.

Exercise: Increasing physical activity lowers the risk for the development of polyps and cancer. Don’t be a couch potato. Exercise will decrease your risk.

Diet: Diet that is high in red and processed meat increases the risk. Diets that are high in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains have been linked to decrease the development of cancer.