Colon or colorectal cancer, CRC, surpasses both breast and prostate cancer in mortality, is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the US, second only to lung cancer in the number of cancer deaths.

The colon is one of the most important organs in the body that helps keep water and nutrients in our bodies and eliminate waste. Since American diets are low in fiber and digestive enzymes this causes the body produce digestive enzymes at the expense of immune system enzymes.

The low level of fiber prevents the colon from cleaning itself and causes to formation of toxic matter in the colon which in turn can lead to many health complications, the most serious of which is colon cancer. Unfortunately, the undermined immune system is not capable to fight the disease.

In spite of the fact that it is very much preventable, it is estimated that 148,610 new cases of colorectal cancer will be diagnosed and 55,170 people will die from the disease in 2006. However, when detected and treated early, colorectal cancer has a five-year survival rate of greater than 90%.

For that reason, routine screening is vital in the prevention and detection of this deadly disease.
In a nutshell, colon cancer can be preventable. If you find yourself having meals that are low in fiber then you have to consider making serious changes in your diet and lifestyle. A healthy colon mean a better immune system and better health for whole your body.

Tests for Colorectal cancer or CRC
One simple, easy-to-use test is Quidel’s QuickVue® iFOB test. QuickVue iFOB is a fecal immunochemical test (FIT) where the sample is collected by the patient in the privacy of his/her home and mailed to the physician for testing. The test detects the presence of blood in stool specimens, an indication of a number of gastrointestinal disorders, including colorectal cancer.

The QuickVue iFOB test requires only one specimen. Because it is specific to human hemoglobin (blood), there are no dietary restrictions and only certain medication restrictions, distinguishing it from guaiac-based tests that have onerous restrictions.

He truth is, according to the American Cancer Society, in comparison with guaiac-based tests, commonly known as Fecal Occult Blood Tests (FOBTs), immunochemical tests are more patient-friendly.

In spite of these recent advancements in CRC screening, less than 50 percent of people age 50 or older have had a new test. There appears to be a noteworthy opportunity for CRC prevention since it takes an average of 10 years for cancerous cells to build up.

Therefore, if you’re over the age of 50 or have a family history of colon cancer, you should speak with your doctor about taking an iFOB test. The test is simple, takes a negligible amount of time and possibly will help save your life.

Colorectal cancer or CRC Screening
American Cancer Society states: “beginning at age 50, both men and women at average risk for developing colorectal cancer should follow one of these five testing schedules:

• yearly fecal occult blood test (FOBT)* or fecal immunochemical test (FIT)
• flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years
• yearly FOBT* or FIT plus flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years**
• double-contrast barium enema every five years
• colonoscopy every 10 years

* For FOBT, the take-home multiple sample method should be used.
** The combination of yearly FOBT or FIT plus flexible sigmoid-oscopy every five years is preferred over either of these options alone. All positive tests should be followed up with colonoscopy.”

Inherited Colorectal cancer or CRC
More than one million people in the United States have been diagnosed with inherited colon cancer and are survivors.

Inherited colon cancer is a matter that both men and women need to be concerned about. It can take up to ten years from the first signs of inherited colon cancer being recognized to a person developing incurable cancer that will spread and result in their death.

Since this type of cancer is part of the DNA coding there is nothing you can do prevent the fact that you may have it. However, you can get tested for inherited colon cancer and therefore your doctor can help you prevent it from affecting your lifestyle.

Even though inherited colon cancer is still a major ailment in or society, the number of deaths from it continue to drop due to various types of testing that have been implemented over the past 15 years.

Early screenings at annual check-ups can identify any development of polyps. The removal of them will prevent colon cancer from starting and from spreading.

Testing for diabetes is common for those with inherited colon cancer as well. Statistics show that individuals with diabetes are 1/3 more likely to be diagnosed with inherited colon cancer. Effective treatment of their diabetes can help to offset the development of the colon cancer.

There are different types of screenings that a person can have completed in order to be tested for inherited colon cancer:

1. A fecal blood test can be done annually when the individual goes in for a regular check up.
2. There is a flexible sigmoidoscopy that can be conducted every five years.
3. A full colonoscopy only has to be done once every ten years.

IMPORTANT: Your physician can tell you what tests they recommend you take on based on your family record, your current health condition, and your age.