Susan cohan cancer of the colon foundation: about cancer of the colon: myths and misinformation

Myths and Misconceptions About Colorectal Cancer

Myths and Misconceptions About Colorectal Cancer

That which you have no idea can hurt you. So can that which you can say for certain in case your details are incorrect.

Despite being probably the most avoidable and curable cancers, over 140,000 new installments of colorectal cancer are diagnosed, and also over 50,000 people die out of this disease every year. Many factors lead for this problem but among the greatest obstacles is overcoming the numerous myths and misconceptions that prevent individuals from following through and becoming screened.

It’s time for you to set the record straight!

Myths Concerning the Disease

Myth #1: Colorectal cancer is really a man’s disease

Truth: Based on the American Cancer Society, the chance of developing colorectal cancer is nearly exactly the same for both women and men. The lifetime risk in males is all about one in 19 as well as in women it’s one in 20.

Myth #2: Colorectal cancer is most typical in Caucasian people

Truth: Based on the Cdc, African Americans possess the greatest rates of both getting and dying from colorectal cancer. Caucasions possess the second greatest rate, adopted by Hispanic, Asian/Off-shore Islander, and American Indian/Alaska Native people.

Colorectal Cancer Incidence Rates* by Race/Ethnicity and Sex, U.S., 1999–2007

Myth #3: Colorectal cancer only affects quickly 50

Truth: While nearly all colorectal cancers are diagnosed in quickly 50, the condition can impact people of all ages, especially individuals having a strong genealogy of cancer of the colon, multiple risks or individuals who carry specific genetic mutations. That’s the reason you should speak to your physician regarding your financial situation. In case your health background suggests you might be in danger, or for those who are getting signs and symptoms, you ought to be screened for colorectal cancer no matter how old you are.

Myth #4: Colorectal cancer is really a quickly distributing, deadly disease

Truth: Most types of colorectal cancer are slow growing and as much as 95% of cases are curable if detected early.

Myth #5: I do not have signs and symptoms well, i do not have the condition

Truth: Noisy . stages, many people with colorectal cancer don’t have any signs and symptoms whatsoever. When symptoms—such as alterations in stool, rectal bleeding, abdominal discomfort or inexplicable weight loss—develop, the condition is frequently inside a more complex stage, meaning the therapy is less efficient and the chance of dying in the disease is greater.

Myths About Screening

Myth #6: Getting a colonoscopy is painful and embarrassing

Truth: Getting a colonoscopy isn’t as uncomfortable since many people expect so that it is. The procedure takes 15 – half an hour where the individual is sedated to prevent discomfort.

Myth #7: Get yourself ready for a colonoscopy is tough

Truth: The steps essential to cleanse the colon when preparing for getting a colonoscopy could be inconvenient, but there are numerous options your physician can decide on to help make the process more tolerable for you personally. Just a little discomfort or inconvenience is really a small cost to pay for to possibly save your valuable existence.

Myth #8: A colonoscopy is the only method to screen for colorectal cancer

Truth: Colonoscopy is the defacto standard in colorectal cancer screening. The whole colon could be examined and polyps can be taken off immediately throughout the same procedure. However, you will find alternatives like a virtual colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy and fecal occult bloodstream testing.

Myth #9: If I’ve got a polyp, I’ve cancer

Truth: Polyps could be benign (not cancerous) or pre-cancerous and therefore if they’re not removed they have the possibility to get cancerous.

Myths About Treatment

Myth #10: Basically have colorectal cancer, I will need a colostomy bag

Truth: Because of enhancements in surgical techniques and treatments, colostomies, that are artificial openings for that assortment of excrement, are rare. When they’re necessary, they’re frequently temporary.

Myth #11: I saw what someone experienced with colorectal cancer and also the same factor may happen in my experience

Truth: Each person’s experience differs, and getting colorectal cancer now’s totally different from getting it twenty, ten or perhaps 5 years ago. Tremendous strides happen to be produced in both treatment and diagnosis of colorectal cancer. Most illnesses which are detected early are curable. Non-invasive surgical techniques, more targeted and efficient radiation and chemotherapy treatments, laser technology and leading edge scientific research have led to making cancer treatment less traumatic and much more effective, for individuals with advanced stages of disease.

And possibly the greatest myth of all….

Myth #12: There’s nothing I’m able to do in order to reduce my chance of getting colorectal cancer

Truth: While a hazard factors such as genealogy are outside your control, an believed 50 – 75% of colorectal cancer could be avoided though lifestyle alone! Consume a plant-based diet that has elevated levels of fruits, vegetable and whole grain products reduce your consumption of red and processed meats conserve a healthy weight don’t smoke consume alcohol moderately and revel in physical exercise to take down chances of developing colorectal cancer in order to ensure that it stays from returning.

Resourse: https://coloncancerfoundation.org/about_colon_cancer/