It is the cancer that nobody wants to talk about. Colorectal Cancer - cancer of the colon and rectum - is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States for men and women combined. Despite the fact that it is highly preventable, some 52,180 people will die from "embarrassment" this year. As we enter this great new era, I find it tragic that so many people will die needlessly from a disease that is so highly preventable. It is estimated that 30,000 of those 52,180 lives could be saved each year if men and women would simply get screened. March 2007 marks the eighth annual National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. It is a much-needed opportunity for our country to educate itself about colorectal cancer and to encourage people to learn more about how to reduce their risk of the disease through a healthy lifestyle and regular screenings. Few Americans know how preventable colorectal cancer really is. That is why the Colon Cancer Alliance, along with 50 other national organizations, has committed to becoming a National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month collaborating partner. The Colon Cancer Alliance brings the voice of colorectal cancer survivors to shine a much-needed spotlight on this little talked about disease. Colorectal cancer can be prevented. Because most colorectal cancer develops from polyps - grape-like growths on the lining of the colon and rectum - simple screening methods can detect and remove polyps before they become cancerous. In addition, when detected early, colorectal cancer is up to 90% curable. Despite the widespread availability of these highly effective screening tests, adherence to colorectal cancer screening guidelines lags far behind screening compliance for other cancers, such as breast, cervical, and prostate exams. Many men and women are unaware that once they turn 50, they should be screened yearly. Men and women who have a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or polyps or a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease might need to be screened before age 50. In addition, women with a personal or family history of ovarian, endometrial, or breast cancer should talk with their doctors about screening for colorectal cancer earlier as well. African Americans are more likely to get colorectal cancer than any other racial group. African Americans and Hispanics are also more likely to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in advanced stages. As a result, the percentage of minorities who die of colorectal cancer is higher than for Caucasians. The Health Care Financing Administration expanded Medicare coverage in 1998 to include colorectal cancer screenings, and many commercial health plans also cover the cost of screening. If you are at risk for colorectal cancer, make an appointment today with your health care provider to discuss which of the available procedures is best for you and how often you should be screened. The tests are simple and painless, and being free of colorectal cancer is a great payoff.

The four tests your doctor may recommend include:

• Colonoscopy: Considered the gold standard. A visual examination of the rectum and entire colon performed in a hospital or clinic. If polyps are found, they can be removed during this procedure. The exam can be uncomfortable, but is not painful. The doctor will give you some medication to make you feel relaxed and sleepy. Recommended testing is every five to ten years.
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: A visual examination of the rectum and lower portion of the colon, which is performed in a doctor's office. This test may be somewhat uncomfortable, but is not painful. Recommended testing is every five years.
• Double Contrast Barium Enema or Barium X-Ray: An x-ray examination of the rectum and entire colon performed in a hospital or clinic. Your doctor will give you an enema containing white dye or barium followed by an injection of air. The barium outlines the intestine and enables the doctor to take x-rays of the lower intestine. Recommended testing is every five to ten years.
• Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT): A simple chemical test that can detect hidden blood in the stool. The test can be taken in the privacy of one's home and sent to a laboratory for analysis. Recommended testing frequency is once a year.

These tests are as simple as they sound. A moment of discomfort is worth the peace of mind you will have knowing that you do not have colorectal cancer. And if screening does indicate the presence of polyps or cancer, finding it earlier gives you a better chance of survival. Treatment for colorectal cancer is most effective when the cancer is found early. Routine screening can make that happen. March is a chance to break down the barriers of embarrassment and ignorance and prevent thousands of unnecessary deaths. It is my personal resolution that no one should ever again die needlessly from this disease. For more information on National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, visit the March Awareness section of the Colon Cancer Alliance website at www.CCAlliance.org/march. You can also visit the month's official website at www.prevetncancer.org/colorectal/. This site presents important information about colorectal cancer and the public initiatives being conducted nationally. It also features self-help guides that may be downloaded for mass distribution. This site also offers material in Spanish. Other information on the site includes: facts sheets, a risk assessment test, information on minorities and colorectal cancer, press releases, legislative updates, events calendar, and more. Call 1-877-422-2030 for more information.

Raise your awareness. It could save your life.

The information provided by the CCA on this website should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease. It is not a substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a health problem, you should consult your health care provider.

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