FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 3, 2000
Contacts:
Reishia Kelsey 202-973-2914
[email protected]
Jenny Rittman
703-820-7400
NATIONAL COLON CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
American College of Gastroenterology Offers Information about Colon Cancer
The U.S. Senate has officially designated March 2000 as the first annual National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. The American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) has joined 34 collaborating organizations to generate widespread awareness about colorectal cancer and to encourage all men and women to reduce their risk of developing the disease through healthy lifestyle choices and regular screenings after age 50. As part of this effort, ACG has experts available for interested members of the media. Also, the public can call ACG toll-free at (consumer health line) 800-978-7666 or log onto the ACG webpage at www.acg.gi.com, for more information.
Colon cancer, the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States, takes more lives than either breast or prostate cancer in both men and women. Approximately 130,000 new cases will be diagnosed in 2000. Although men and women are equally affected, African Americans and Hispanics are at higher risk and are more likely to be diagnosed when the disease is at an advanced stage. What many Americans don't know is that colon cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancer. Studies show that early detection and intervention can reduce death from this disease by 90%. Yet many people fail to take advantage of early detection techniques. In deed, only about 37% of newly diagnosed cases are early stage disease.
Risk Factors:
Women are just as likely as men to develop colorectal cancer. Although the chance of developing colon cancer increases after age of 40, the disease is most common after the age of 50. Colorectal cancer also can be diagnosed in much younger people.
Close relatives of a person who has had polyps or colorectal cancer before the age of 60 and people with one of several chronic digestive conditions have a higher than average risk of developing colorectal cancer.
Symptoms:
Most early cancers produce NO SYMPTOMS! This is why screening for colorectal cancer is so important. Some possible symptoms, listed below, certainly do not always indicate the presence of colorectal cancer, but should prompt a visit with your physician and a check-up:
* New onset of abdominal pain
* Blood in or on the stool
* A change in typical bowel habits, constipation, diarrhea
* A change in stool consistency or shape
Screening Recommendations:
The potential complications of colorectal cancer are minimized with the simple step of regular screening. Key components of a screening program for every man or woman over the age of 50 include:
* An annual fecal occult blood test, which checks for microscopic traces of blood in the stool
* A flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years to detect colorectal cancer at its earliest and most treatable stage
In recent years, colonoscopy every 7 to 10 years for average risk patients has gained increasing acceptance as another screening alternative.
Colonoscopy is recommended for individuals of any age who are at higher than average risk for developing colorectal cancer by virtue of prior history of colorectal cancer or colon polyps, a strong family history of the disease, or predisposing chronic digestive condition such as inflammatory bowel disease. Frequency of colonoscopy varies for different groups of high-risk patients, and they should consult with their physician.
Who Can Help?
ACG has educational material available through a toll-free number, (800) 978-7666. Also, ACG will provide the media with experts such as Dr. Philip Schoenfeld, Director of Research, Division of Gastroenterology at the National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, who is currently investigating treatments for this condition. He is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences in Bethesda, and has published numerous articles in professional journals. He has lectured extensively on colon cancer and related topics. ACG physicians will:
* Explain what colon cancer is and what causes it
* Explore risk factors associated with colon cancer
* Communicate key statistics about colon cancer
* Explain the different types of colon cancer
* Discuss how colon cancer is detected
* Describe successful treatment methods
ACG was formed in 1932 to advance the scientific study and medical treatment of disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. The College promotes the highest standards in medical education and is guided by its commitment to meeting the needs of clinical gastroenterology practitioners
To arrange an interview with an ACG expert in colorectal cancer, please contact Reishia Kelsey at 202-973-2914 or Jenny Rittman at 703-820-7400.
# # #
RSS