What Causes Colorectal Cancer?

Colorectal cancer (cancers of either the colon or rectum) is the second most common cancer in the U.S. and one of the deadliest. One in five colorectal patients will probably die because most cases are not diagnosed until a late stage of the disease.

Detected early, progression of colorectal cancer is entirely preventable. Early symptoms include blood on the surface of or mixed in feces. Occasionally pain and tenderness in the lower abdomen are noticed, but generally there are no feelings of discomfort until the tumor grows so big that it causes obstruction or rupture of the intestine, making surgery and aggressive treatment mandatory. For this reason, doctors now recommend annual hemoccult tests and a colonoscopy every 3 to 5 years for patients over 50. These tests can detect 2 out of 3 cases of colorectal cancer in its earliest stages.

To lower your risk of colorectal cancer, patients with a poor diet or heavy meat-eating background should consider switching to a low-fat, high-fiber diet with an emphasis on vegetables, fruits, fish and white meat. Consumption of red meat is the number one risk factor connected to colorectal cancer. Foods containing refined sugar or white flour should also be avoided. Dietary antioxidants (notably vitamin E), calcium, vitamin D, and the B-vitamin folic acid may also reduce your risk of contracting colorectal cancer and even aid in reversing early stages of this cancer.

To learn more about other causes of colorectal cancer and preventive measures you can take, click our post title for a preview of Dr. Burton Goldberg's information-dense documentary video Cancer Conquest. A highly respected authority on alternative medicine practices, Dr. Goldberg discusses colorectal and other cancers in the video, interviewing recognized experts, detailing preventive measures, and focusing on cutting-edge treatments. This highly informative reference is a must have addition to your medical library. Visit our website today to review more information on these important topics.