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Colorectal Cancer Screening

Early detection—it’s one of the most important criteria in cancer survival. Learn how a simple screening procedure could become your best friend . .

A Screening That Could Save Your Life!

If you’re over 50, if cancer is part of your family history, or if the assessment shows your risk for the disease is high, promise yourself that you will take advantage of one of several screening devices for colorectal cancer detection.

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. The good news is that when detected in its early stages, colorectal cancer is one of the most curable of the cancer group. The bad news is that many of us fail to employ screening procedures that could lead to early diagnosis and treatment and ultimately save our lives!

This year over 56,000 Americans will die due to complications of this disease. Until science finds the cure to eradicate this predator, we can launch a crusade of our own.

Prevention measures such as diet and exercise are beneficial for health and longevity in general, but research has shown that both of these are of particular importance in the cancer arena. Fruits and vegetables, with their stash of phytonutrients and fiber, continue to demonstrate the power to decrease the risk of cancer, including the colorectal variety.

Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant found in many fruits and vegetables, has been shown to reduce the risk of many cancers. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2000, 72 (1): 139-45.) published a study indicating that participants who had the least amount of vitamin C circulating in their bloodstream had a 62% higher risk of dying from cancer than those with higher amounts.

And while the once touted beneficial relationship between plant-based fiber and colorectal cancer has been disputed in at least one clinical study, the overall positive benefits of fiber as a health-promoting agent remains untarnished. Proponents of fiber point out that it helps to move waste products in the feces through the colon, decreasing the time that they are in contact with the inner lining of the colon. This benefit alone supports the intake of fiber for health purposes. (Do remember to increase your fluid intake when increasing your fiber consumption, or constipation could be the result.)

In upcoming articles we will explore ways to incorporate food sources of both vitamin C and fiber in your diet. In the meantime, continue to eat a diet abundant in fruits, vegetables, and fiber-rich whole grains. And don’t forget that colorectal screening!