Healthy Living Extra Home

The Truth About Colorectal Cancer

Decide if these statements are true or false to learn the risks for colorectal cancer, or cancer of the colon or rectum.

1. Women do not need to worry about colorectal cancer.

True
False

2. Walking may help prevent colorectal cancer.

True
False

3. Chronic diarrhea may be a symptom of colorectal cancer.

True
False

ANSWERS

1. False. The disease strikes women and men almost equally. Age, rather than gender, is a major risk factor. Beginning at age 50, if not sooner, your doctor may recommend that you regularly have one or more of the following screening tests:

• Rectal exam: The doctor feels for abnormalities in the rectal area.
• A blood stool test: A stool specimen is checked for blood.
• X-rays of the large intestine
• Sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy: The colon and rectum are examined with a lighted instrument.

If you have a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, or a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease, your doctor may recommend more frequent screenings.

2. True. Evidence suggests that walking for 60 minutes a day may decrease prostaglandin E2 levels—a substance associated with colorectal cancer.

Other prevention strategies:

• Avoid smoking.
• Eat a diet low in fat. Include lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain products.

3. True. Other symptoms include blood in the stool, frequent stomach discomfort, and unusual changes in bowel habits.

Colorectal Cancer Screenings for Members

Colorectal cancer kills more than 50,000 Americans every year. Many of these deaths could be prevented by health screenings that detect polyps before they become cancerous. As a Windsor Medicare Extra member, a colorectal cancer screening is one of the many preventive benefits covered each year by your plan—at no cost to you. To arrange for your screening, contact your physician for an appointment.