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When the cells lining the colon and/or rectum begin to grow out of control, they can form a polyp that may or may not become cancerous.

The most common types of polyp that occur in the colon are hyperplastic polyps, adenomas, and inflammatory polyps. Adenomas and inflammatory polyps have the potential to form cancer and are typically removed during screenings.

Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer can remain asymptomatic during the early stages. As the cancer progresses, changes in the consistency or timing of bowel movements may occur, along with seeing blood in the stool.

Other symptoms of colorectal cancer include the feeling that evacuation is incomplete after using the bathroom, abdominal pain, gas and cramps. As with most cancers, weight loss, muscle weakness and fatigue can also take place.

Colorectal Cancer Rates in the U.S.

It has been reported that colorectal cancer rates in the United States are decreasing at a rate of more than 2% per year in both men and women because of an increase in screenings for persons 50 and older. These screenings (usually colonoscopies), allow for the detection and removal of polyps before they become cancerous.

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While colorectal cancer rates may be decreasing in the United States overall, the findings of a recent study published in Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers and Prevention conclude that between the years of 1992 and 2005 incidences of colorectal cancer are increasing at a rate of more than 1.5% in 20-49 year old men and women.

Additionally, research suggests that obesity is also a major risk factor contributing to many different types of cancer.

Personal Note: Although the study above says that colon cancer is decreasing, I strongly disagree because cutting or removing a cancerous growth does absolutely nothing to address the root cause of the problem and why the cancer was there in the first place.

In the majority of cases the cancer will come back with a vengeance if it is just removed and the cause of the cancer is not addressed. All cancer is caused by a toxic body!

Risk Factors for Colorectal Cancer

Risk factors for colorectal cancer include family history, intestinal conditions, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, diabetes, growth hormone disorders, age and a toxic lifestyle.

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Lifestyle factors that might increase the risk of developing this type of cancer include less physical activity and greater consumption of toxic foods. Many risk factors, like age, genetic and other disorders, cannot be helped.

That is why it is up to every individual to do everything they possibly can to reduce their risk by modifying risk factors that can be controlled and detoxifying their body and colon on a regular basis.

As with most ailments currently affecting the American population, an ounce of prevention is worth many pounds of cure. In fact, epidemiologists with the American Cancer Society blame increasing colorectal cancer rates in transitioning countries on the adoption of many practices common to western civilizations. Besides obesity and physical inactivity, these factors include smoking, overuse of alcohol, and diets high in red meat and low in fruits and vegetables.

Luckily, the majority of the risk factors for colorectal cancers are modifiable. Daily exercise, regular colon cleansing, walking around the block, biking to the corner store, going for a swim or anything that gets the body outside and moving will go a long way towards fighting obesity and lowering cancer risk.

Prevention doesn’t require being a fitness guru, or working out for an hour each day, it simply requires doing something to get your heart rate up each day.

In addition to exercise, a sensible diet is key to preventing colorectal cancer. Diets high in processed and red meat have been shown to increase colorectal cancer risk. Intake of red meats and processed meats such as ham and bacon should be avoided. Organic raw Fruits, seeds, nuts and vegetables should make up most of a healthy diet.

Foods, Vitamins & Minerals That Help Prevent Cancer:

Diet and exercise are relatively easy factors to control, but remember, especially if you live a sedentary lifestyle or are already overweight, it is wise to consult your physician before beginning an exercise program or undertaking other major lifestyle changes. Whatever changes you make, start gradually and do what you can to ensure that you can maintain those improvements for the long term, and your health will thank you.

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