Ithaca College

Colorectal Cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among American men and women, despite the fact it is one of the more preventable and curable forms of cancer. Colorectal tumors are often “silent tumors”, with little to no noticeable symptoms until the disease is in the advanced stages. This is why it is important to be educated about Colorectal Cancer prevention and screening methods.

What is Colorectal Cancer?

• Colorectal Cancer is cancer that begins in either the colon or the rectum, cancer that begins in either of these organs is also known as Colorectal Cancer. Colorectal cancer is caused when the cells that line the colon or the rectum become abnormal and grow out of control. Colorectal Cancer can occur at any age but is most common in those over 50 years of age. Most colorectal cancers develop from polyps (small tumors) in glandular tissue colon or rectum lining. A quarter of all adults in the U.S. over the age of 50 will have at least one colorectal polyp. While most of these polyps are benign, some are precancerous.

What Are the Risk Factors for Colorectal Cancer?

• A personal or family history of colorectal cancer or polyps
• A diet high in fat and low in fiber
• Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis)
• Obesity
• Smoking

What can I do to prevent Colorectal Cancer?

• Live a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise, maintenance of a healthy weight, and a diet that is low in fat and high in fiber, vegetables, and fruit.
• Get screened regularly.

Colorectal Cancer Screening Recommendations:

• Individuals without a family or personal history of colorectal cancer or inflammatory bowel disease should have a colonoscopy every 10 years after the age of 50.
• Individuals with a family or personal history should begin screening at the age of 40, or 10 years earlier than the age at which the family member was diagnosed.

This information was provided by web MD. For more information please visit:  http://www.webmd.com/colorectal-cancer/guide/default.htm and www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal.

Don’t forget to sign up for the Lunch and Learn on Wednesday, March 30th from 4:00pm - 5:00pm in the Peggy R. Williams Center, HR Conference Room G-52. RSVPs are required due to limited seating. Please call 4-8000 or e-mail benefits@ithaca.edu to RSVP.

Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations should contact Alison Bowman in Human Resources at abowman@ithaca.edu or x4-8000. We ask that requests for accommodations be made as soon as possible.

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