That dreaded six-letter word Published April 2, 2008 By Lt. Col. (Dr.) James Freese 509th Medical Group WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- March was colorectal cancer awareness month, so I apologize for the lateness of the article. But cancer never takes a holiday so it is never too late for health awareness information, which can help save lives. The colon, also known as the large intestine, is a highly specialized organ within your abdomen that removes water and returns it back to vital organs to help eliminate waste products from your body. Cancer, that dreaded six-letter word, can affect your colon and rectum. It can progress very slowly and quietly or it can spread rapidly with devastating results. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths in the United States. In 2004, from the United States Cancer Statistics: 2004 Incidence and Mortality, 26,800 men and 26, 700 women died from colorectal cancer. It is estimated that as many as 60 percent of colorectal cancer deaths could be prevented if all men and women aged 50 years or older were screened routinely. Colorectal cancer occurs when some of the cells that line the wall of the intestine become abnormal and grow out of control. These cells create a tumor, which is the cancer. In the early stages, colorectal cancer is fairly quiet and can be without symptoms. The most common warning signs are: · Changes in bowel movements, either constipation or diarrhea that continues, or a feeling of inability to completely empty the bowels · Rectal bleeding · Patches of blood on or in the stool · Long, thin "pencil-like" stools · Abdominal discomfort or bloating · Unexplained fatigue, weight loss or loss of appetite Current recommendations for colorectal cancer screening are fairly straight forward. Men and women age 50 (earlier if anyone in your family has had colon cancer) should be tested for colorectal cancer. There are several options for the screening, but most physicians now recommend going right to colonoscopy. This is an outpatient procedure where the physician puts a thin, flexible tube into the large intestine so he can visualize the wall, look for abnormal growths of cells, and then biopsy anything that looks suspicious. Be assured that you will be given IV medications that will prevent you from experiencing any discomfort. If you are having any symptoms, or would like to discuss colorectal cancer screening, please contact your primary care manger.