Local doctors discuss colon cancer awareness

By Tracy Bell

Published: April 3, 2008

FREDERICKSBURG —  A colon cancer educational forum held late last month at Mary Washington Hospital helped inform people about the risks associated with the disease. Doctors who spoke at the seminar hoped it would be informative enough to help save lives. 

Not counting skin cancers, colon cancer is the third most common cancer in men and women in the country, according to the American Cancer Society, which estimates that there will be approximately 108,070 new cases of colon cancer and 40,740 new cases of rectal cancer in 2008 in the United States.
Combined, they will cause an estimated 49,960 deaths, according to the ACS.

The good news is that the death rate from colon cancer is declining. Physicians are seeing fewer cases, and more and more polyps are being found in time before they turn into cancer. Treatments have also improved, according to the ACS.

March served as colon cancer awareness month in order to educate people about the disease. At Mary Washington Hospital for three days last month, five area gastroenterologists and a dietician were on hand at different times to talk to anyone willing to listen about the dangers of colon cancer. The sessions were free and open to the public.

Peter Wong, a Fredericksburg gastroenterologist who spoke to at least a dozen people at one of the sessions, as well as others milling around, said that colon cancer can be prevented. Wong said the sessions were presented in the hospital’s atrium—  a high-traffic area —  so they were able to attract people passing by as well as those already registered to attend.

Wong said he focused during his talk on prevention and demographics, signs, symptoms and the tests one can take to determine if he or she has colon cancer or polyps, which can be - or may not be - precursors to colon cancer.

Generally, said Wong, there’s been a recent decline in cancer in by about 3 percent, due to screenings.

Things that help prevent colon cancer seem to be high calcium, low-fat diets, high fiber, and actions such as avoiding tobacco and alcohol, he noted.
Most people are at average risk, said Wong, but some people must be very careful because of a strong family history of the disease. In such a case, the patient would likely need to be screened at age 40 instead of 50, or 10 years before the relative with colon cancer (if a first-degree relative) had the disease.
Wong said the difference between now and years ago is apparent, in relation to colon cancer.

“People are more informed. They are getting their tests,“ Wong said.

Keeping with the theme for Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, the Prevent Cancer Foundation’s interactive Super Colon visited eight communities in the United States riddled with the highest burden of colon cancer. 

African-Americans and Hispanics are often diagnosed with late stage colon cancer because such populations are less likely to undergo regular screening, according to a Prevent Cancer Foundation press release.

Alaska Natives and Northern Plain Tribes have the highest colorectal cancer rates in the nation, so such areas were targeted.
The Super Colon tour made 22 stops throughout Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.

In 2008, the Super Colon will visit a record number of cities with more than 70 stops meant to educate, and eradicate colon cancer.
Thomas Mastri, who practices gastroenterology in Fredericksburg, said there were just six or seven people at his presentation at the hospital forum, but he stressed that screening is very important beginning at age 50.

There are six different screening options, he noted.

Two include a virtual colonoscopy and a genetic test that’s newly approved.

There’s also a barium enema, fecal occult blood testing, a sigmoidoscopy and the standard colonoscopy. Mastri said that in his opinion, the standard colonoscopy is best, because it allows removal of any polyps that are found.

A sigmoidoscopy only allows a partial view of the colon.

The average person has a 5 to 6 percent chance or risk of getting colon cancer, said Mastri. Of course, that risk is higher for a person with a family history of the disease.

Mastri said that several factors could possibly trigger colon cancer down the line, so avoiding a lot of red meat, as well as alcohol and smoking, is suggested. Obesity is another trigger that studies show is linked to colon cancer, he said.

Mastri said that some of his patients are concerned with the bowel prep and ask a lot of questions about that. However, there are many options, he said, and that concern should not deter someone from being tested.

Patients have traditionally needed to drink a liquid enema to prepare them for a standard colonoscopy so that the patient is properly cleaned out. That way, the physician can see inside the body to locate polyps or tumors.

Now, said Mastri, there are pills patients can take, or split doses — things that make it easier than it used to be if the prep tastes bad.
But patients need to adhere to some type of screening in order to be helped, Mastri said.

“We could potentially prevent cancer,“ he said.






What Can Be Done to Reduce Colon Cancer?
By LIL SPITZER
For the Stafford County Sun
Colorectal cancer, also known as colon cancer, is the third most common cancer found in men and women in this country. The American Cancer Society estimates almost 150,000 new cases of colon cancer in the United States for 2008. In many cases, colon cancer can be prevented. It almost always starts with a small growth called a polyp. If the polyp is found early, doctors can remove it and stop colon cancer before it starts. Here are six lifestyle commitments that can be made to reduce the risk of colon cancer:
Over 50? Schedule a Colon Cancer Screening.
Then actually go to the appointment. More than 90 percent of colon cancer cases occur in people age 50 and older. American Cancer Society research indicates that by age 50, one in four people has polyps. Getting screened is an excellent colon cancer prevention method.
Pay Attention to Family – Especially Family Medical History.
A family history of polyps and certain cancers (such as colorectal, stomach and liver) may increase risk of colon cancer. If this is the case, testing for polyps should begin at a younger age.
Eat a Balanced Diet.
Diets high in fat and cholesterol, especially from animal sources, have been linked to increased colon cancer risk. High-fiber diets, however, have shown a protective effect. Incorporating fruits and vegetables into daily snacks is a great way to help maintain a balanced diet.

Eat Less Than One Pound of Red Meat Each Week.
According to recent findings issued by the American Institute for Cancer Research, consuming more than 18 ounces, or a little over a pound, of red meat (beef, pork, lamb and goat) each week can significantly increase the risks for developing colorectal cancer.

Kick the Habit – Stop Smoking Today.
Yes, it’s a risk factor for colon cancer, too. When inhaled or swallowed, tobacco smoke transports carcinogens to the colon. Tobacco use appears to increase polyp size, as well.
Get Moving – Maintain an Active Lifestyle.
Research from The American Cancer Society indicates that exercising can reduce colon cancer risk by as much as 40 percent. Exercise also tends to reduce the incidence of other risk factors for colon cancer, such as obesity and diabetes. While obesity raises the risk of colon cancer in both men and women, the link seems to be stronger in men.
Not only will these modifications help reduce the risk of colon cancer, they will also result in a healthier lifestyle. New data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that colorectal cancer testing in the United States has been rising steadily since 2002, a sign of slow but encouraging progress in the fight against a cancer that’s largely curable when caught early, and can even be prevented in some cases. For more information about cancer prevention, visit Beckstrand.org.

Lil Spitzer is the executive director of Beckstrand Cancer Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1974 by Dr. Grant Beckstrand and a group of doctors specializing in the treatment and care of cancer patients. For more information, visit Beckstrand.org.