Colorectal cancer is the second-leading
cause of cancer deaths in the United
States. But, with proper care and early testing, it is quite preventable, says Connie
Bollin, director, Akron General McDowell
Cancer Center. Bollin emphasizes that
business executives can help both themselves and their employees with testing
programs and similar programs that offer
early detection.
“Any insurance plan you provide workers
should include colorectal cancer screening
test benefits,” she says.
Smart Business asked Bollin about the
causes and prevention of this disease.
Who is at risk for colorectal cancer?
Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer. It does not discriminate between men and women, executive or employee, although 90 percent of
all cases occur after the age of 50. A key to
knowing if you are at risk for the disease is
knowing your family medical history and
sharing that information with your health
care professional. Together, you can determine if testing should be performed at an
earlier age and which tests are most appropriate for you.
Is this a sex-related or race-related cancer?
Experts suggest that African-Americans
begin their screenings at age 45 because
research findings have shown that population diagnosed at a younger age. Some indications that you are at high risk for the disease and may need to be tested earlier
include:
- Being over the age of 50
- African-American
- A personal or family history of colorectal cancer
- A personal or family history of benign
colorectal polyps - A personal or family history of Crohn’s
disease, ulcerative colitis or inflammatory bowel disease - Endometrial/ovarian cancer before the
age of 60 - People who use tobacco, excessive alcohol consumption, a sedentary lifestyle and obesity
Is colorectal cancer preventable?
Definitely. This disease can be prevented
by early identification and removal of pre-cancerous polyps. These can only be
detected through colorectal screenings.
The Cancer Research and Prevention
Foundation states, ‘30,000 to 44,000 lives a
year could be saved if everyone over 50 got
screened for colorectal cancer.’ That
means that 50 to 80 percent of people who
are expected to die of colorectal cancer in
2007 — 52,180 lives — could have been
saved if they would have gotten tested.
What are the early symptoms?
Colorectal cancer, many times, develops
without any symptoms. That is why getting
screened is so important. Talk to your
health care professional about colorectal
screenings and, based on your family history, when and how often you should be
screened. Once you have the disease, some
symptoms may develop, such as rectal
bleeding, change in bowel habits, weight
loss for no apparent reason, vomiting,
tiredness and fatigue, or frequent gas pains.
Some of these symptoms we all may
experience at some times, but if you have
any of them for more than two weeks, see
your health care professional.
What kinds of screening tests are available?
The screening test used depends upon
your medical history. You and your health
care professional should discuss which
screening is right for you, as well as how
often it’s performed. The basic guidelines
to follow for men and women beginning at
age 50 — or 45 if you are African-American:
- A fecal occult blood test annually
- A sigmoidoscopy every five years, or a
colonoscopy or double contrast barium
enema every five to 10 years - A digital rectal exam every five to 10
years at the time of your screening sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy or barium
enema
Does insurance pay for screenings?
Because it is one of the most preventable
cancers, you would think all insurance
companies would not only pay and promote screening, but that businesses and
employers would offer incentives to their
employees to comply and get screened.
Medicare does pay for screening and some
states mandate that insurance companies
do, as well. Unfortunately, Ohio is not one
of them. So now and during the month of
March — which has been designated
National Colorectal Cancer Awareness
Month — contact your state legislators and
encourage them to pass legislation to
improve insurance coverage for screening.
How do I reduce my risk?
The most effective way is to undergo routine colorectal screening tests. Other suggestions I’d offer would be to eat a diet that
includes lots of fruits, vegetables and
whole grains, take a multivitamin and calcium, limit your alcohol intake, exercise
and do not use tobacco.
CONNIE T. BOLLIN is a registered nurse with a B.S. degree in
health and physical education, and a health care executive MBA.
She has been the director of the Akron General McDowell Cancer
Center since 2003 and is a board of trustees member of the
Association of Community Cancer Centers, a member of the
Association of Cancer Executives and a member of the Summit
County Colorectal Cancer Taskforce. Reach her at (330) 344-5847 or [email protected].
Director
Akron General McDowell Cancer Center