Colon Cancer Screening Changes Statistics
3/4/2005

Contact: Keith Jennings
Phone: 706-272-6118

Dalton, GA – Colorectal Cancer continues to be the second leading cancer killer for both men and women combined in the United States. More than 145,000 people are expected to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer this year, and more than 56,000 will likely die from it.

If colon cancer is detected in the early stages, there is a 90% survival rate for five years. Between 1995 and 2000, just 39% of colon cancer patients were diagnosed with this early-stage disease. Once the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes or tissue, survival drops to 67%. If the cancer has spread to other organs in the body, the chances of surviving five years is 10%.

“Prevention and early detection of colorectal cancer has progressed significantly over the past few years,” said Terri Brown, Director, Endoscopy Services Hamilton Medical Center. “Our challenge is to educate the community about regular screening. With routine screening colorectal cancer is preventable, treatable, and beatable. If diagnosed with colorectal cancer, patients should be informed of all treatment options.”

Ways to reduce the risk of developing colon cancer:

Getting plenty of exercise – high levels of physical activity may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer by as much as 50%.

Eating lots of fruits and vegetables

Maintain a healthy weight

Regular screening tests

Hamilton recommends a regular colon cancer screening for all adults beginning at age 50, or sooner for people with a higher-than-average risk of developing the disease.

For additional information on colorectal cancer screening, contact Terri Brown at 272-6559.

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