March 16, 2006
Regular colorectal cancer screenings save lives
ANCHOR LEAD
It's the second most common cause of cancer related deaths in the United States, but colorectal cancer can be highly treatable if caught early. If the thought of getting a colonoscopy worries you…it shouldn't. Experts at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston say it could save your life. REPORTER NAME has more.
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Every four minutes someone will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer. This year alone, 148 thousand people will be diagnosed with the disease and over 55 thousand will die. But Dr. Robert Mayer (MAY-er) of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston says there is a way to fight back.
DR. ROBERT MAYER AUDIO
MP3 "Screening saves lives"
"Screening saves lives and people over age 50 in this country merit
screening."
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Colorectal cancer usually starts as small non-cancerous growths called polyps. They form on the lining of the colon or rectum. Regular screenings increase the odds of detecting, and removing, these polyps when they are still non-cancerous or easily treated.
DR. ROBERT MAYER AUDIO
MP3 "The single most"
"The single most important thing for any one individual to consider as
they gauge their personal risk for developing colon cancer is whether any other
members of their family have had polyps or colon cancer."
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Along with family history…Age is another major risk factor.
Others include:
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease,
- A diet high in red meat,
- Obesity, and
- Alcohol and Tobacco use.
DR. ROBERT MAYER AUDIO
MP3 "There is no single symptom"
"There is no single symptom that typifies the appearance of a colon
cancer. But there are several different symptoms that one might experience that
would justify getting in touch with their physician".
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Those symptoms or warning signs include:
- Rectal bleeding,
- Traces of blood in the stool,
- Change in bowel habits,
- Abdominal cramps,
- Constipation, and
- Unexplained weight loss
How can you beat the odds?
Dr. Mayer suggests maintaining a physically active lifestyle, a healthy
weight, limiting fat, red meat, alcohol, and not smoking.
ANCHOR TAG
To reduce the risk of polyps, Dr. Mayer suggests adding aspirin or related drugs called NSAIDs (EN-seds) or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines, to your daily regimen. Recent studies, some done at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, show taking compounds such as aspirin, Motrin, Aleve, or Naprosyn, can reduce polyp formation.
