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Drawing Courtesy of ImmunoDefence.com
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Colorectal cancer, often referred to as colon cancer, starts in the colon or in the rectum. The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearing House (NDDIC) defines colon polyps as extra tissue that grows inside your body” and that polyps “grow in the large intestine.”
The NDDIC notes that “most polyps are not dangerous, but that some types of polyps can turn into cancer.” Further, they add that “most small polyps don’t cause symptoms.” The American Cancer Society estimates “that there will be about 108,070 new cases of colon cancer and 40,740 new cases of rectal cancer in 2008 in the United States. Combined, they will cause about 49,960 deaths.colorectal cancer is equally common in both men and women—148,810 cases will be diagnosed in 2008, and an estimated 49,960 people will die from the disease.”
Hope Through Grace emphasizes colorectal cancer prevention through early detection of these potentially cancerous polyps by urging people to get a colonoscopy screening. Most authorities agree that this virtually painless, endoscopic test is of the utmost importance if you are 50 and over or 45 and over if you are African-American. The American Cancer Society also recommends testing for colorectal cancer if you have a family history of the disease.
Colon Polyps
Photos courtesy of Ronald Colman, M.D.
Dedicated to Colorectal Cancer Prevention, Early Detection, and Cancer Survivorship
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