11 months ago
SACRAMENTO, CA - Colon cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men and women and the survival rate has been increasing, due in large part to early detection, said Friday's Live_Online guest, Dr. Stacy D'Andre, an oncologist with the Sutter Cancer Center.
D'Andre said people should be screened for colon cancer starting at the age of 50, but screenings should begin earlier if they're at high risk of colon cancer.
Steve Abrams, who also appeared on Live_Online, was one such high risk patient. He had a history of bowel disease and began yearly colon cancer screenings (colonoscopy) in his early 20s. The screenings saved his life.
A couple of years ago at the age of 44, Abrams was diagnosed with colon cancer, but the tumor was detected early enough that his treatment only required surgery, and not chemotherapy or radiation. Abrams says he's back to a normal life.
The American Cancer Society says the following risk factors can increase a person's chance of getting colon cancer:
-Being 50 or older
-A previous diagnosis of polyps or colorectal cancer
-A history of bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis and Chrohn's disease
-Family history of colorectal cancer
-A diet high in red meat
-Being very overweight
-Lack of exercise
-Smoking
-Heavy use of alcohol
March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month and the American Cancer Society has a toll-free phone number that you can call to get your questions answered: (800) ACS-2345
News10/KXTV
