What African-Americans Need to Know About Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal Cancer

Preventable, Beatable, Treatable

Colorectal Cancer is cancer of the colon or rectum and is the second leading cause of cancer death in Rhode Island, for both men and women. But 90 percent of all colorectal cancer cases and deaths are preventable by removing polyps (grape-like growths) before they become cancer. Colorectal cancer is easily treated - and often cured - when detected early. That is why screening for prevention and early detection is so important.

African-Americans appear to suffer more from the disease than other populations. It is especially important for African-American men and women to understand colorectal cancer prevention and talk with their health care professional about colorectal screening tests. Routine screening can help prevent colorectal cancer. It can detect the disease in its early stages when it is most easily treated.

New screening recommendations call for African-Americans to begin screening at age 40-45. Recent studies find African-Americans are often diagnosed at a younger age with disease at more advanced stages, and have a higher death rate than any other population. This information moved the Rhode Island Colorectal Cancer Task Force, a panel of experts in the field of gastroenterology, to recommend African-Americans begin screening 5-10 years earlier than the general population. If you have a personal history of colorectal cancer, colorectal polyps or inflammatory bowel disease, talk with your doctor - you may need to be tested earlier.

What You Can Do to Prevent Colorectal Cancer

Risk Factors

You are at increased risk if you:

• Have a personal or family history of colorectal polyps, colorectal cancer or inflammatory bowel disease
  
• Use tobacco
  
• Drink alcohol in excess
  
• Are overweight
  
• Eat a high-fat diet with little or no vegetables
  
• Never exercise
  
• Are embarrassed or afraid to talk with your health care professional about colorectal cancer
  

Symptoms

Do not wait for symptoms to appear! Colorectal cancer and colorectal polyps often develop with few or no symptoms; however, sometimes there are warning signs you should learn to recognize:

• Rectal bleeding
  
• Blood in or on the stool
  
• Change in bowel habits
  
• Stools which are narrower than usual
  
• Frequent gas pains
  
• Weight loss for no apparent reason
  
• Constant tiredness
  
• General stomach discomfort (bloating, fullness and/or cramps)
  

Family History

While anyone can get colorectal cancer, we know that some families are at higher risk for the disease. If a first-degree relative - parent, brother, sister or child - has had colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps, that means you have a "family history" of the disease. You are more likely to develop the disease yourself.

Colorectal Cancer Screening

Only 50% of those who need to be tested for colorectal cancer are being tested in Rhode Island. There are several screening options available.

Talk with your doctor to determine which test is best for YOU.

Colonoscopy

The gold standard test is colonoscopy. Performed by a doctor, the entire colon and rectum can be carefully examined. If polyps are found, they can be removed and tested for cancer. If the colonoscopy is negative, it only needs to be repeated in 10 years for most people. This test will need to be performed if any of the following tests come back positive.

Fecal Occult Blood Test

The fecal occult blood test (FOBT) is a stool test and it is the simplest and most easily performed test. It can be done during the yearly physical exam, or it can be done at home with the stool sample sent for analysis. This procedure can detect blood in the stool. The major drawback is this test is not very accurate. Even so, FOBTs performed every year can reduce colorectal cancer deaths by 30%.

Sigmoidoscopy

The sigmoidoscopy is performed by a physician. Only about one third of the colon and the entire rectum can be examined by this procedure. A combination of FOBT and sigmoidoscopy, performed on a regular basis, can reduce deaths from colorectal cancer by over 50%.

Double Contrast Barium Enema

The double contrast barium enema is performed by a doctor. It is an x-ray of the entire colon. This test is used usually for those who cannot tolerate colonoscopy. This test should be performed every 5-10 years.

Did you know...

• There is evidence that African-Americans are less likely than Caucasians to be tested for colorectal cancer.
  
• There is a higher rate of colorectal cancer diagnosis among African-Americans than among any other population group in the United States.
  
• African-American patients experience a larger number of polyps on the right side of the colon, versus the left.
  
• A sigmoidoscopy can only examine the left side of the colon; a colonoscopy can examine the entire colon and is considered the "gold standard" test.
  
• African-Americans are more likely to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in advanced stages when there are fewer treatment options available.
  
• The death rate from colorectal cancer is higher among African-Americans than any other population group in the United States.
  
• Colorectal cancer screening is a tool for prevention.
  

Keep Your Colon Healthy

• See your doctor regularly for cancer screening.
  
• Exercise regularly.
  
• Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables.
  

For more information and answers to specific questions contact the Rhode Island Cancer Council at Tel@ricancercouncil.org or call us at (401) 728-4800 or toll free 866-879-4100.

IT IS EASIER TO PREVENT CANCER THAN TO TREAT IT.

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