Are You at Risk of Colorectal Cancer? | University Hospital and ...

Understanding your risk level for colorectal cancer could point you toward the appropriate preventative measures.

Colorectal cancer claims the health and lives of too many Americans each year. The National Cancer Institute has estimated that 142,820 new cases will be diagnosed in 2013, along with 50,830 fatalities. Do you know your risk level for this deadly disease? Some factors cannot be prevented or changed, but knowing them can help you and your doctor determine when and how often screenings should take place. These factors include:

• A family history of polyps or cancer in the colon or rectum
• A personal history of cancer in any part of the body
• An age of 50 or older
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Cohn's disease
• Certain genetic alterations, such as hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer (HNPCC) or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)

Some risk factors can be controlled. These lifestyle changes are important for everyone, but especially those who are already at a high risk for colorectal cancer. The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention list these lifestyle risk factors:

• A diet lacking fresh fruits, veggies, and fiber
• A high-fat diet
• A sedentary lifestyle
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Excessive alcohol consumption

If you are at a high risk for cancer, University Hospital is committed to catching any problem areas as early as possible. Learn more about the services provided by our diagnostic imaging department or our radiology center. You can request a physician referral when you call our free Consult-a-Nurse? service at 1-888-256-7728.

Related Posts:
How You Can Prevent Colorectal Cancer
The Power of Prevention: Top Screenings You Should Not Avoid

Source: http://blog.uhmchealth.com/2013/03/11/are-you-at-risk-of-colorectal-cancer/

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