If all Americans were regularly screened for colorectal cancer, thousands of lives would be saved every year. That’s why Borgess Health is making 750 free colorectal cancer-screening kits available to area residents for a limited time. (For more information about colorectal screening kits, please visit borgess.com or call 1-800.828.8135 or 269.226.8135.)
Since 2007, 1,550 free colorectal cancer-screening kits were returned to Borgess for analysis. The results for about 130 participants indicated their need to be directed to follow-up care.
“Even though the death rate for this serious disease has declined during the past 16 years, only 39 percent of colon cancers are currently found in the favorable stage,” said gastroenterologist Brij Dewan, MD. “Unfortunately, the disease often goes undetected because people are afraid and uncomfortable about the screening process, and as a result, do not get tested. However, when detected at an early stage, colorectal cancer may be curable in 90 percent of cases.
“Some people need encouragement to be tested,” said Dr. Dewan. “Because colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths each year in the United States (for men and women combined), urge your loved one to be tested.”
Colorectal cancer is a type of cancer that can originate anywhere in the large intestine. Most colorectal cancers develop first as polyps, abnormal growths inside the colon or rectum that may eventually become cancerous. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), an estimated 142,570 new colorectal cancer cases were diagnosed in the U.S. in 2010. The ACS estimated that 51,370 Americans died from colon and rectal cancers in 2010.
Risk factors for this disease include: increasing age (older than age 50); personal history of colorectal cancer, colorectal polyps or chronic inflammatory bowel disease; a family history of colorectal cancer, adenomatous polyposis or nonpolyposis colon cancer; a diet mostly from animal sources; a physically inactive lifestyle; obesity; smoking; and heavy use of alcohol. Descendents of Jews from Eastern Europe may also be at greater risk of developing colorectal cancer.
Beginning at age 50, having regular screening tests is vital. Colorectal cancers typically grow from precancerous polyps in the colon or rectum. Screening is designed to find these polyps, so they can be removed before they become cancerous. These tests can also detect colorectal cancer in its earliest stage, when treatment is most effective.
For a limited time, Borgess offers a free, easy-to-perform colorectal cancer testing kit. Individuals complete the test kit at home and send it back to Borgess in a post-paid envelope. Test results will be sent to participants and, if requested, the individual’s primary care physician.
Along with this home test, Borgess also urges individuals age 50 or above to have regular physician checkups, and as directed, schedule more comprehensive colorectal cancer screenings, including a flexible sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy and/or double contrast barium enema. Those at an elevated risk for colorectal cancer should talk to their caregivers about earlier or more frequent testing. As always, any unusual changes in bowel habits, such as dark stools, should be reported to a doctor immediately.
For more information about the colorectal screening kit, please visit borgess.com or call 800.828.8135 or 269.226.8135.
Symptoms of colon or rectal cancer include:
A change in bowel habits.
Blood (either bright red or very dark) in the stool.
Diarrhea, constipation, or feeling that the bowel does not empty completely.
Stools that are narrower than usual.
General abdominal discomfort (frequent gas pains, bloating, fullness, or cramps).
Weight loss with no known reason.
Constant tiredness or anemia that cannot be explained.
Vomiting.
Source: Colorectal Cancer Coalition
