‘Quality of Life’ health series covers Colon Cancer Awareness

More than 56,000 men and women died last year alone from colon cancer. It is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths in this country. One out of 20 Americans will experience this disease in their lifetime. In many ethnic groups the numbers are much higher.

Mary Maryland, PhD, RN, will present a talk titled "Colon Cancer Awareness" at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 16, at the Oak Park Arms retirement community, 408 S. Oak Park Ave. Dr. Mary, as she's affectionately called, will present information  on risk factors of colon cancer. The public is invited to this free program.

Colon cancer is cancer of the large intestine (colon), the lower part of the digestive system. Rectal cancer is cancer of the last several inches of the colon. Together, they're often referred to as colorectal cancers.

Most cases of colon cancer begin as small, noncancerous (benign) clumps of cells called adenomatous polyps. Over time some of these polyps become colon cancers. Polyps may be small and produce few, if any, symptoms. For this reason, doctors recommend regular screening tests to help prevent colon cancer by identifying polyps before they become colon cancer.

Colonoscopy is generally considered the gold standard for colon cancer screening. A colonoscopy is an exam used to detect changes or abnormalities in the large intestine (colon) and rectum.

Factors that may increase the risk of colon cancer include:

• Older age. About 90 percent of people diagnosed with colon cancer are older than 50.

• African-American race. African-Americans have a greater risk of colon cancer than do people of other races.

• A personal history of colorectal cancer or polyps. If you've already had colon cancer or adenomatous polyps, you have a greater risk of colon cancer in the future.

• Inflammatory intestinal conditions. Long-standing inflammatory diseases of the colon, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, can increase the risk of colon cancer.

• Inherited syndromes that increase colon cancer risk. Genetic syndromes passed through generations of family can increase the risk of colon cancer.

• Family history of colon cancer and colon polyps. You're more likely to develop colon cancer if you have a parent, sibling or child with the disease. In some cases, this connection may not be hereditary or genetic. Instead, cancers within the same family may result from shared exposure to an environmental carcinogen or from diet or lifestyle factors.

• Low-fiber, high-fat diet. Colon cancer and rectal cancer may be associated with a diet low in fiber and high in fat and calories. Research in this area has had mixed results. Some studies have found an increased risk of colon cancer in people who eat diets high in red meat and processed meats.

• A sedentary lifestyle. Getting regular physical activity may reduce the risk of colon cancer.

• Diabetes. People with diabetes and insulin resistance may have an increased risk of colon cancer.

• Obesity. People who are obese have an increased risk of colon cancer and an increased risk of dying of colon cancer when compared with people considered normal weight.

• Smoking. People who smoke cigarettes may have an increased risk of colon cancer.

• Alcohol. Heavy use of alcohol may increase the risk of colon cancer.

• Radiation therapy for cancer. Radiation therapy directed at the abdomen to treat previous cancers may increase the risk of colon cancer.

The Oak Park Arms is a rental retirement community which provides independent and assisted living apartments and a full schedule of activities and services. Furnished apartments are also available for a short-term stay - a weekend, a week, a month or longer.

The program is free and open to the public. For more information call Jill Wagner at 708-386-4040 or visit http://www.oakparkarms.com.