March is National Colon Awareness Month and Grundy County Memorial Hospital (GCMH) wants to take the opportunity to educate you about this disease. Colorectal cancer, commonly known as colon cancer, occurs when cells in the colon or rectum grow and multiply uncontrollably, damaging surrounding tissue and interfering with normal function of the colon or rectum.

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer found in men and women in this country.

The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be about 112,340 new cases of colon cancer and 41,420 new cases of rectal cancer in 2007 in the United States. Combined, they will cause about 52,180 deaths.

Most colorectal cancers begin as a polyp, a small, non-cancerous growth on the colon wall can grow larger and become cancerous over time.A colonoscopy is the most sensitive test for detecting pre-cancerous polyps and cancers in the colon.

When found early, there is nearly a 90% chance for cure. More than 90% of colon cancer cases occur in people age 50 and older. For this reason the American Cancer Society recommends you start getting tested for the disease at age 50.

Those at an increased risk for colon cancer, may need to be tested at a younger age. You should talk with your doctor about starting colorectal cancer screening earlier and /or undergo screening more often if they have any of the following colorectal risk factors:

a personal history of colon polyps or cancer, a strong family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, a personal history of chronic inflammatory bowel disease (Chron’s disease or ulcerative colitis), and/or change in bowel habits including blood in the stool.

Dr. Paul Burgett, of CVMS, who sees patients and performs colonoscopies in the Grundy County Memorial Hospital (GCMH) Specialty Clinic says, “Colorectal cancer is a very preventable form of cancer.

A simple colonoscopy can detect polyps or early stage cancers. Patients with certain types of polyps are at increased risk for development of colon cancer and should be followed closely. Patients without polyps can be reassured that they are at normal risk.

When found at an early stage, the five-year survival rate for colon cancer is 90%. Please talk to your family doctor or myself if you think you may need a colonoscopy.”

If you or a loved one needs a colonoscopy or if you have questions, please call the GCMH Specialty Clinic at 319-824-5421. For more information on any GCMH services please visit our website at HYPERLINK ““http://http://www.GrundyCountyHospital.org”>http://www.GrundyCountyHospital.org“ www.GrundyCountyHospital.org.