FIGHTING COLON CANCER IN KENTUCKY
Did you know? Colon cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in Kentucky among cancers affecting both men and women. Each year 2,700 Kentuckians are diagnosed with this devastating but little discussed disease, and over 800 will die. Kentucky continues to rank among the worst in the nation for colon cancer mortality.
This is all the more tragic because colon cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable cancers when detected early. Proper screening could prevent most colon cancer deaths, but not enough people are being tested. Many Kentuckians are simply unaware of the life-saving benefits of being screened. And those who want to be tested may be unable to pay for the procedure because they are uninsured or underinsured.
Risk Factors Are you at high risk of developing Colorectal Cancer? The risk of developing colorectal cancer increases with advancing age. Screening tests for colorectal cancer should begin soon after turning 50, and then continue at regular intervals or at the recommendation of your health care provider. However, you may need to be tested earlier or more often than other people if your risk factors include the following:
Inflammatory bowel disease
Certain hereditary syndromes
A personal history or family history of colorectal polyps or colorectal cancer
Symptoms Colorectal cancer first develops with very little if any symptoms over a period of years. This is why screening is important. However, if symptoms are present, they may include:
Blood in the bowel movement
A change in bowel habits
Stools that are narrower than usual
General, unexplained stomach discomfort
Frequent gas, pains, or indigestion
Unexplained weight loss
Chronic fatigue
These symptoms can also be associated with other health conditions. If you have any of these symptoms, discuss them with your doctor. Only your doctor can determine why you have these symptoms.
Healthy Choices and Lifestyle Factors Recent studies show that certain lifestyle choices may increase your risk of colon cancer. Although screening is the most important way to decrease your risk of colon cancer, you can also improve your overall health and decrease your risk by the following:
Eat 9 servings of fruits and vegetables each day
Maintain a normal weight
Limit fat in your diet
Limit alcohol consumption
Avoid tobacco including smokeless products
Get regular physical exercise
Use the FIND A DOCTOR link on the TLRMC homepage to find a Family Practice, Internal Medicine or General Surgery physician who can talk to you about colon cancer screenings.
The Kentucky Colon Cancer Screening Program (KCCSP) is a population-based, public health initiative consisting of a network of state, regional and local health professionals whose mission is to reduce new cases of colon cancer as well as the disability and death associated with colon cancer.