March Is Colon Cancer Awareness Month
Know the facts and how to protect yourself
For Immediate Release
Contact: Jennifer McDonnell, (702) 821-0082 jmcdonnell@nvcancer.org
Alison Monaghan, (702) 737-3100 amonaghan@kirvindoak.com
LAS VEGAS, NEV. March 1, 2008 - Nevada Cancer Institute, the state’s official cancer institute, would like to remind Nevadans that March is Colon Cancer Awareness month.
Colon cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths in Nevada and the American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates that in 2008, 1,160 Nevadans will be diagnosed with colon cancer and 490 will die. In the United States, an estimated 148,810 men and women will be diagnosed with colon cancer while another 49,960 will succumb to the disease.
Colon cancer can almost always be treated successfully if detected early. Starting at age 50, men and women should begin screenings. If colon cancer is found early and treated, the five-year survival rate is 90 percent. But because many people are not getting tested, only 39 percent of cases are diagnosed at an early stage when treatment is most successful, the ACS reports.
Colonoscopy is the best test to detect colon cancer. A colonoscopy can detect polyps that have developed in the lining of the colon or rectum (colon cancer and rectal cancer are collectively known as colorectal cancer). Certain kinds of polyps have the potential to become cancerous.
The goal of colon cancer screening is to find polyps and cancers before they cause symptoms. These tests offer the best opportunity to detect colon cancer at an early stage when successful treatment is likely, and to prevent some cancers by detection and removal of polyps.
The ACS has identified several risk factors for developing colorectal cancer:
- Age: More than 90 percent of people diagnosed with colorectal cancer are older than 50.
- A personal history of colorectal cancer.
- A personal history of colorectal polyps.
- A personal history of chronic inflammatory bowel disease.
- A family history of colorectal cancer. People with a family history of colorectal cancer need to talk with their doctor about beginning screenings before age 50.
- Other modifiable risk factors include: obesity, physical inactivity, smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, a diet high in red meat, and an inadequate intake of fruits and vegetables.
Nevada Cancer Institute Outreach and Education staff are available for presentations on colon cancer awareness. Community health educators can be reached at (702) 822-LIFE or 1 (866) 621-NVCI. Additional information about colon cancer risk factors and screening guidelines can also be found at www.cancer.org.
Nevada Governor Jim Gibbons has proclaimed March as Colon Cancer Awareness Month (open the link to see the official State of Nevada Proclamation): http://gov.state.nv.us/PROCs/2008/2008-03-00ColonCancerMonth.htm
About Nevada Cancer Institute
Nevada Cancer Institute (NVCI) is the official cancer institute for the State of Nevada. A nonprofit organization, NVCI is committed to reducing the burden of cancer by pursuing the development of a comprehensive cancer research institute, as defined by the National Cancer Institute. Through the knowledge and expertise of the finest scientists, clinicians, educators and caregivers, the Institute provides hope to communities in Nevada, the southwest and beyond through research, education, early detection, prevention and high-quality patient care. NVCI is striving for a future without cancer that is achieved through initiated and collaborative research in basic, clinical and population science. For more information, please visit www.nevadacancerinstitute.org or call (702) 822-LIFE.
