February 28, 2007
Going to the bathroom is a very private matter and you find very few people who want to share their experiences publicly.
The subject of your “stool” is not something you talk about with everyone, but statistics make it necessary. Unfortunately one of the biggest barriers health professionals deal with is the “stigma” that comes with talking about your stool or anything related to your colon or bowel movements.
While some may find it unpleasant, Dr. Jacqueline Stiff, vice president and chief medical officer of United Health Care, says that when you consider the high number of cases of colon cancer (colorectal cancer) among African Americans, everyone needs to be having discussions and looking for changes in their stool, which could be a sign of the cancer.
Colon cancer is cancerous growths in the colon, rectum and appendix and early symptoms include bloody stools, diarrhea or constipation. Doctors say that a change in bowel habits (which includes frequency, quality and consistency), stools with mucus and bowel obstruction are all cause for concern.
March is colon cancer prevention month and Dr. Stiff says it is imperative that African American women understand that colon cancer is an issue and they should be tested. “Most African American women don’t realize this is a test they should be concerned about,” she said, adding that there are higher incidences of colon cancer among African American women but this is not a cancer that is receiving much attention.
According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer and the third leading cause of cancer death in both African American men and women. Rates of this cancer are higher among African Americans than among whites, as are deaths.
”Many of us focus on breast cancer, but colon cancer is right up there with lung cancer.” There are ways, however, to combat the disease, she pointed out, while stressing the need to have the test performed, especially if you are age 50 or over.
It is important to note that the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) issued updated guidelines for African Americans to begin earlier CRC screenings at age 45. The tests are not painful and one can even be performed at home, where the patient takes a portion of their stool and sends it into a lab for testing. The other two tests are performed by a professional and require a look into the intestines.
Usually the colonoscopy is the test most are familiar with, where a lighted probe—a colonoscope—is inserted into the rectum and the entire colon to look for polyps and other abnormalities that may be caused by cancer.
Dr. Stiff says there are ways to prevent colon cancer and you can start at a young age. First, she pointed to smoking, that while information usually focuses on the damage smoke does to the lungs, it also impacts the colon.
“If you smoke, stop,” said Dr. Stiff, adding that watching your weight, increasing physical activity and eating food high in fiber can also help prevent colon cancer.
And early screening is a must because, she said, “the good thing about getting screened is that if you have your colon tested and the doctor sees a small polyp (abnormal growth), it can be removed immediately.”
As with any health issue, she added, early intervention contributes to success and recovery rates. Experts say if colorectal cancer is detected while still in the localized stage, the five-year survival rate in all African Americans is 83 percent.
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