Stop Colon Cancer Before It Starts - Facts About Colon Cancer
April 17, 2007
What is Colon Cancer?
Colon cancer includes cancers of the colon and rectum. While colon cancer is the second leading cancer killer in the United States, it is also one of the most detectable – and, if found early enough – most treatable forms of cancer.

Most colon cancers develop first as polyps, which are growths inside the colon or rectum. Colon Cancer can be prevented if the polyps are detected and removed before they become cancerous – which is why regular screening is so important!

Facts & Figures:

Colon Cancer is the #2 cause of cancer death in men and women in the United States.

Maine has the eighth highest colon cancer death rate in the United States.

In 2004, an estimated 800 Mainers were diagnosed with colon cancer, causing 310 deaths.

Colon Cancer is 90% treatable when detected early.

Screening can find polyps before they become cancer.

The most common symptom is no symptom at all.

Risk Factors:

Colon Cancer is the 2nd leading cancer killer among men and women. Regardless of risk factors, you should plan on getting screened for colon cancer regularly once you reach age 50.

Age: Although colon cancer can strike at any age, more than 9 in 10 new cases are in people age 50 and older. There are other factors, however, that can increase your risk of developing colon cancer.

Gender: Colon Cancer affects both men and women.

Ethnic Background/Race: Minorities, particularly African-Americans and Hispanics, are more likely to be diagnosed with colon cancer in advanced stages, making death rates higher for these populations.

Personal History of Bowel Disease: A personal history of colon cancer or intestinal polyps, and diseases such as chronic ulcerative colitis, Chrohn's Disease and Inflammatory Bowel Disease increase a person's chance of developing colon cancer.

Family History/Genetic Factors: A strong family history of colon cancer (one or more first degree relatives) may indicate an increased risk for developing colon cancer.

Diet/Exercise: A high-fat diet, particularly from animal sources, can increase the risk of colorectal cancer. People who are not active have a higher risk of colorectal cancer.

Smoking/Alcohol: Recent studies show that smokers are 30%-40% more likely than non-smokers to die of colon cancer. Heavy use of alcohol has also been linked to colon cancer.

For more information about colon cancer, call 1-877-320-6800 or TYY: 1-800-438-5514 (Deaf/Hard of Hearing), or visit www.mainepublichealth.gov.