Colon and Rectum Cancer

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in Ohio among both men and women, and it is the second most common cause of cancer-related death for both genders combined. Colorectal cancer mortality has declined 20 to 25 percent in Ohio over the past two decades. From 1996 to 1999, a yearly average of 6,668 Ohioans were diagnosed with colorectal cancer and 2,827 Ohioans died of the disease. Mortality rates have dropped from 32.9 per 100,000 in 1970 to 24 per 100,000 in 1999. Increased use of sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy, which in turn has increased benign polyp removal, has been suggested as the potential reason for the decline in mortality rates. Other possible contributors to reducing colorectal cancer mortality are dietary changes (including increased calcium intake) and increased use of aspirin to prevent heart disease.

Risk Factors

Several risk factors may contribute to the development of colorectal cancer. They include:

• Age (over 75 percent of colorectal cancers are diagnosed in people over age 50)
• Race (African Americans are more likely than other racial and ethnic groups to develop colorectal cancer)
• Personal or family history of colorectal and other cancers, colon polyps, or inflammatory bowel disease (nearly 10 percent are caused by inherited gene mutations)
• Physical inactivity
• A diet that is high in fat (especially from red meat) or low in fruits and vegetables
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Alcohol
   

Prevention and Early Detection

Screening tests offer a powerful opportunity for the prevention, early detection, and successful treatment of colorectal cancers. However, fewer than 37 percent of Americans ages 50 and older follow the American Cancer Society’s recommended screening guidelines for colorectal cancer. While people cannot change their genetic makeup or family health history, most people can reduce their risk of colorectal cancer by following screening guidelines, eating a healthy, low-fat, high fiber diet, and increasing their level of physical activity.

Last Updated: 10/24/02

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