The colon and rectum constitute the final stages of the digestive system. They apply final processing to food before it is eliminated from the body. They are also the sites of one of the deadliest forms of cancer in the industrialized world-colorectal cancer.
One of the most common forms of cancer in the developed world, with over 600,000 deaths worldwide, colorectal cancer is a truly deadly disease. Generally, colorectal cancer develops from naturally occurring growths called polyps. While it is uncertain why these normally benign growths became malicious, many doctors and scientist theorize it has something to do with the lifestyles of citizens of modernized countries. This is due to the link between certain behaviors and the rates of cancer. This is, in a sense, good news, because it means as we learn more about how to lead healthier lives we may be able to reduce the number of colorectal cancer victims.
Despite the myriad number of screening methods available to detect the presence of colorectal cancer, the rates of screening are relatively low. This is thought to be due to the sensitivity people have about this region of the body, the invasiveness of the screening methods, and the inability of people to conduct self examinations.
Screening methods range from manual tests such as the insertion of a finger into the area to feel for abnormal growth, to more technologically advanced test such as the double contrast barium enema. Unfortunately, the majority of screening test involve invasive procedures in which some instrument is inserted into the colorectal area (sigmoidoscopies, colonoscopies). The awkwardness associated with these procedures is a strong deterrent for people, unfortunately resulting in higher mortality rates.
Colorectal cancer's prominence in the West suggest that there is a cultural component to it. The is a correlation between certain lifestyle choices and its appearance. Researches think that a sedentary lifestyle, where someone gets little to no vigorous exercise during the week, may contribute to the development of the cancer.
Another behavior that may increase the risk of colorectal cancer is diet. There are links between a diet high in red meat or highly processed meat and cancerous polyps in the colorectal system. Even beyond the content of food, a total caloric intake which is far above the recommend amount is also a strong indicator of risk. Taken together, these factors can increase risks a significant amount.
It is no accident that these factors-sedentariness, high calorie consumption, high red meat consumption-are all characteristic of the modern diet in many industrialized Western nations-especialy the United States of America, where colorectal cancer is the fourth most common type.
The flip side of this is that by focusing on prevention-getting screened, and, most importantly, adhering to a diet and exercise regimen that is anti-cancerous-we can reduce our risk by over 50%. It is important to realize that our food and behavioral choices have serious consequences down the road. At the same time, by making changes for the better now, we can increase the likelihood of enjoying long, healthy lives.
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