CANCER: COLON CANCER BY THE NUMBERS
Raising awareness about how to prevent colorectal cancer (“colon cancer”)—the third leading cause of cancer deaths in both men and women in the United States
Colon Cancer by the Numbers:
154,000 Number of Americans expected to be diagnosed with colon cancer in 2007
52,000 Number of Americans expected to die from colon cancer in 2007
90 Percent of colon cancer cases diagnosed in people over 50 years of age
90 Percent of those who survive colon cancer if it is found early
60 Percent of deaths from colorectal cancer that could be prevented if everyone age 50 and older were screened regularly
Last year, the American Cancer Society reported that cancer deaths dropped for the second year in a row. The study noted that there was a significant decline in colorectal cancer mortality. Although this is good news, the ACS estimated that, in 2007, approximately 154,000 Americans would be diagnosed with colon cancer and more than 52,000 would die, maintaining colon cancer as the third leading cause of cancer deaths in both men and women. The ACS claims this number could be cut in half if Americans followed American Cancer Society screening recommendations.
ACS says increasing colon cancer screening among adults 50 and over represents the single greatest opportunity to decrease colon cancer death rates. "Everyone over 50 has the wonderful opportunity to avoid developing colon cancer completely or to find the disease in an early stage," says Richard C. Wender, MD, national volunteer president of the ACS. "Since most people with colon cancer do not have a family history of the disease, waiting for symptoms to develop is a tragic mistake. Symptoms can be a sign of more advanced disease. Finding and removing polyps before they turn into cancer, which can be done without surgery, can help us defeat this major cancer killer by preventing it altogether. The tests also can detect cancer in an early stage. If a cancer is found, treating it before symptoms develop dramatically increases the likelihood of a cure. When found at its earliest, most treatable stage, colon cancer has a ninety-percent survival rate."
The decline in colon cancer deaths recently reported is largely attributed to early detection, which is why it's so important for everyone 50 and older to get tested. Colon cancer tests can enable doctors to detect and remove hidden growths ("polyps") before they become cancerous. The tests can also detect cancer in an early stage. When found at its earliest, most treatable stage, colon cancer has a 90 percent survival rate. Early colon cancer often has no symptoms, which is why testing is so important. Getting tested is especially critical for Americans age 50 and over as more than 90 percent of colon cancer cases are diagnosed in people over the age of 50.
The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by saving lives, diminishing suffering and preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. For more information anytime call toll free 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.
Sources: American Cancer Society; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention