Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States, and the No. 1 cause of cancer death among non-smokers. More than 150,000 Americans will be diagnosed with colon cancer this year, and 52,000 will die from the disease.
It doesn’t have to be that way. Here are some of the common myths and misconceptions about colorectal cancer.
Myth 1: Colon cancer is a white man’s disease.
Truth: Colon cancer affects both men and women equally, and it affects people of all races. In 2007, the American Cancer Society estimates, 55,290 men and 57,050 women will be diagnosed with colon cancer.
Myth 2: I don’t have any symptoms, so I must not have colon cancer.
Truth: More than half of people diagnosed with colon cancer have no symptoms. Symptoms such as a change in stool, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain and unexplained weight loss can all signal colon cancer.
Myth 3: Colonoscopy is difficult to prepare for.
Truth: Preparing for a colonoscopy involves cleaning the colon with the help of prescription and over-the-counter medications. Typically these are liquid drinks that must be consumed a day before the procedure.
Myth 4: Colonoscopy is unpleasant and uncomfortable.
Truth: Most people agree the prep is the worst part (see Myth 3). During the actual procedure, which takes 15 to 30 minutes, patients are sedated.
Myth 5: I saw Katie Couric get a colonoscopy on the Today Show, so I should get one too.
Truth: Colonoscopy screening is recommended for men and women beginning at age 50, unless other risk factors exist. If you are younger than 50, but have other risk factors - such as family history, obesity, smoking, ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease - talk to your doctor about your screening needs.
Myth 6: Colonoscopy is the only way to screen for colon cancer.
Truth: Colonoscopy is considered the gold standard. It detects more cancers, examines the entire colon and can be used for screening, diagnosis and removing polyps in one visit.
Myth 7: A polyp means I have cancer.
Truth: Polyps are benign growths that, if left unchecked, have the potential to develop into cancer. Polyps can be easily removed during colonoscopy. Not all polyps are pre-cancerous.
Myth 8: Colonoscopy is just a screening technique.
Truth: Colonoscopy is an all-in-one tool. It can find and remove polyps and small cancers all during one procedure.
Myth 9: If I have colon cancer, it means I am dying.
Truth: When colon cancer is caught early, it has a 95 percent survival rate. Once colon cancer has spread to the liver, it’s usually deadly, with only a 9 percent survival rate.
Myth 10: Few research advances focus on colon cancer.
Truth: Much exciting research is occurring in colon cancer. Research includes improving radiation techniques, working with colon cancer stem cells and improving screening techniques.
Source: University of Michigan Health System
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