About Colon Cancer
What you should know about colon cancer
Colorectal cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in Canada. On average, colon cancer will be diagnosed in 72 Canadians every day. It is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in men and the third leading cause of cancer-related death in women. However, colon cancer is one of the most treatable cancers if caught early, and it is up to 90% preventable if regular screening and thorough testing take place.
Most colon cancers begin as benign growths in the lining of the colon, called polyps. As these polyps grow and mature over the years, they may eventually turn into cancerous tissue. Regular screening colonoscopies allow for early detection of these growths, and they can easily be removed if caught before they get too big.
The lifetime risk of developing colon cancer is about 1 in 14 (7.1%) for men and approximately 1 in 15 (6.7%) for women. Individuals at higher risk include those with ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, and those who have a family history of colorectal cancer.
Besides presenting for regular screening colonoscopies, you can decrease your risk of developing colon cancer by maintaining a healthy weight, making time for regular exercise, eating a diet high in fiber, as well as limiting alcohol intake.
Source: Colon Cancer Canada