Facts About Colon Cancer

Facts about colon cancer are always an eye-opener for me. It reminds me of how many are suffering because of poor habits (and in some cases, poor inheritance).

Here are some fast facts from the Centers for Disease Control.

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of any cancer related death in the U.S.

In 2005, 53,000+ people in the U.S died from colon cancer (26,781 men and 27,279 women).

In 2005, more than 141,000 people were diagnosed with colon cancer in the U.S.

Some good news! In the United States deaths from colon cancer has decreased 4.3% per year from 2002 to 2005 among both men and women.

The World Health Organization say that "Global cancer rates could increase by 50% to 15 million by 2020".

They are of course talking about any cancer related deaths.

Still, it is a very glum prediction, if we as a species do not change our habits it is going to get pretty ugly! It is not too late though!

More facts:

If detected early colon cancer is up to 90% curable.
Less than half of colon cancers are detected early.
Over 90% of colon cancer occurs in people over 50.
Less than 50% of Americans aged 50 and over are routinely screened.
Around 25% of Americans are considered at risk.
Colorectal cancer affects men and women equally.
CDC believes colon cancer can be prevented if treated in the early stages.

Most colorectal cancers begin as a simple harmless polyp in the colon. A polyp can then turn malignant without ever showing symptoms.

That is why colon cancer is so hard to detect in the early stages by yourself. You can feel great and still have it, that's why regular screenings should be undertaken if you're approaching the age of 50.

Now that you know all these facts, what can you do?

Here are a few quick tips: