Colorectal Cancer

We understand the thought of a colonoscopy can be embarrassing. But it shouldn’t be. Chesapeake Regional's team of gastroenterologists have earned national recognition in gastroenterology year after year. And research shows that early detection of cancer through colonoscopy results in a 90 percent recovery rate. You owe it to yourself and your loved ones. Call to schedule a colonoscopy today.

The local connection

Each year, cancer of the colon or rectum kills more Americans than any other cancer except lung cancer. Portsmouth, Chesterfield, and Western Tidewater had the highest mortality rates from colorectal cancer among the 35 health districts [in Virginia].¹ But the outlook is bright: Experts are discovering more ways to lower your risk of drying from this cancer that attacks the digestive system.

These physicians stand ready to help you make your commitment to better health a reality - today.

In 2012, Chesapeake Regional was nationally recognized by U.S. News and World Report when it was ranked No. 4 on the "Best Hospitals in Hampton Roads" list and was a "high performing" hospital for gastroenterology. Contact a professional gastroenterologist.

Seven Strategies That Protect Against Colon Cancer

Colon cancer usually doesn't strike until after age 50. But that doesn't mean you can't do anything about it before that age. Choices you make today could protect you against this disease later in life.

Six Lifelong Habits

Research shows that the following tactics can lower your risk for colon cancer:

1. Maintain a healthy weight. Excess pounds around the waist are especially risky.
2. Limit your intake of red meat, particularly fatty or processed varieties.
3. Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and other plant foods, such as whole-grain breads and cereals. Many of these foods contain substances that fight off cancer.
4. Take a multivitamin that contains folic acid. Proper long-term use may help decrease colon cancer risk. Foods rich in folate, such as oranges and leafy green vegetables, also offer protection
5. Exercise regularly—it can cut the risk of colon cancer by almost 30 percent.
6. Get adequate calcium from foods or a supplement. Consumption of about 700 to 800 milligrams of calcium a day reduced the risk of one type of colon cancer by 40 to 50 percent.

The Seventh Strategy: Screenings

Colon cancer may cause symptoms, including:

• Blood in or on the stool
• Recurrent stomach pain or cramping
• Narrow, ribbon-like stools
• Unexplained weight loss

But more typically, colorectal cancer does not produce any symptoms. That's why experts recommend regular screenings for people who have a high risk of the disease.

Risk factors

Risk factors pointing to an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer include include:

• Age - men and women over the age of 50
• African American men and women are at increased risk compared to their counterparts
• People with a personal or family history of colon cancer or polyps
• Anyone with inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease
• Smoking and alcohol use are both linked to an increased risk of colon cancer
• Obesity

Talk with your doctor about when to begin screening and which screening tests to take

Screening tests include:

• Colonoscopy
• Fecal occult blood test
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy
• Double contrast barium enema
  
  

1.) Source: "Colorectal Cancer in Virginia" University of Virginia Health System Cancer Center
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