COLORECTAL CANCER STATISTICS
Colorectal Cancer Resource & Action Network (CCRAN) has issued the following summary based on the 2020 Canadian Cancer Statistics issued by the Canadian Cancer Society, Statistics Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada and the Provincial/Territorial Cancer Registries.
We have presented colorectal cancer-relevant information but should you wish to view the publication concerning all statistics, it can be found here.
COLORECTAL CANCER RISK FACTORS
Some Helpful Facts:
-Being physically inactive is a risk factor for colorectal cancer. A simple walk around the block can help boost your activity level.
-High intakes of fruits, vegetables and fibre can decrease your risk of developing colorectal cancer. Add colourful veggies and fruits to your diet to help stave off the disease. It’s never too late to start!
We don’t really know why colorectal cancer develops in some people and not in others. However, the same risk factors have been identified over the years which increases a person’s risk of developing colorectal cancer. A risk factor is something that may increase a person’s chances of developing a disease or condition.
Risk factors for colorectal cancer can be divided into two main groups: those that you cannot change and those that are lifestyle-related and, therefore, can be changed by you. Please read on to learn more about the risk factors for colorectal cancer.
COLORECTAL CANCER SYMPTOMS
1. The right side of the colon is wider than the left side of the colon. Therefore, cancers that originate on the left side of the colon are more likely to cause partial or complete bowel obstructions. This can cause symptoms of constipation, narrowed stool, diarrhea, abdominal pains, cramps, and bloating; and can, therefore, be detected earlier than cancers that originate on the right side of the colon.
2. When colorectal cancer is in the early stages, it is typically silent – void of symptoms. This is why getting screened is so important. It picks up cancers that are silent and easily removed.
COLORECTAL CANCER PREVENTION
LOWERING YOUR RISK FOR COLORECTAL CANCER
1. Avoiding risk factors and increasing protective factors may help prevent 50% of cancers, including colorectal cancer.
2. Eating mostly plant-based foods plays a big role in preventing cancer and contributing to a healthier life.
3. Eating at least 3 ounces or servings of whole grains per day lowers risk of colorectal cancer. 1 ounce of whole grain is equivalent to 1/2 cup of cooked brown rice, 1/2 cup cooked oatmeal, 1/2 cup of cooked whole grain pasta, or 1 regular slice of whole-grain bread.
COLORECTAL CANCER SCREENING IN CANADA
1.Having regular stool tests, such as the FIT, lowers the risk of dying from colorectal cancer.
2. Nine out of ten people can be cured if colon cancer is caught early through screening!
Colorectal cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in Canada. It is the second leading cause of death from cancer in Canadian men and the third leading cause of death from cancer in Canadian women. It is, however, the MOST PREVENTABLE CANCER THROUGH SCREENING!
COLORECTAL CANCER STATISTICS
Colorectal Cancer Resource & Action Network (CCRAN) has issued the following summary based on the 2020 Canadian Cancer Statistics issued by the Canadian Cancer Society, Statistics Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada and the Provincial/Territorial Cancer Registries.
We have presented colorectal cancer-relevant information but should you wish to view the publication concerning all statistics, it can be found here.
COLORECTAL CANCER RISK FACTORS
Some Helpful Facts:
-Being physically inactive is a risk factor for colorectal cancer. A simple walk around the block can help boost your activity level.
-High intakes of fruits, vegetables and fibre can decrease your risk of developing colorectal cancer. Add colourful veggies and fruits to your diet to help stave off the disease. It’s never too late to start!
We don’t really know why colorectal cancer develops in some people and not in others. However, the same risk factors have been identified over the years which increases a person’s risk of developing colorectal cancer. A risk factor is something that may increase a person’s chances of developing a disease or condition.
Risk factors for colorectal cancer can be divided into two main groups: those that you cannot change and those that are lifestyle-related and, therefore, can be changed by you. Please read on to learn more about the risk factors for colorectal cancer.
COLORECTAL CANCER SYMPTOMS
1. The right side of the colon is wider than the left side of the colon. Therefore, cancers that originate on the left side of the colon are more likely to cause partial or complete bowel obstructions. This can cause symptoms of constipation, narrowed stool, diarrhea, abdominal pains, cramps, and bloating; and can, therefore, be detected earlier than cancers that originate on the right side of the colon.
2. When colorectal cancer is in the early stages, it is typically silent – void of symptoms. This is why getting screened is so important. It picks up cancers that are silent and easily removed.
COLORECTAL CANCER PREVENTION
LOWERING YOUR RISK FOR COLORECTAL CANCER
1. Avoiding risk factors and increasing protective factors may help prevent 50% of cancers, including colorectal cancer.
2. Eating mostly plant-based foods plays a big role in preventing cancer and contributing to a healthier life.
3. Eating at least 3 ounces or servings of whole grains per day lowers risk of colorectal cancer. 1 ounce of whole grain is equivalent to 1/2 cup of cooked brown rice, 1/2 cup cooked oatmeal, 1/2 cup of cooked whole grain pasta, or 1 regular slice of whole-grain bread.
COLORECTAL CANCER SCREENING IN CANADA
1.Having regular stool tests, such as the FIT, lowers the risk of dying from colorectal cancer.
2. Nine out of ten people can be cured if colon cancer is caught early through screening!
Colorectal cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in Canada. It is the second leading cause of death from cancer in Canadian men and the third leading cause of death from cancer in Canadian women. It is, however, the MOST PREVENTABLE CANCER THROUGH SCREENING!
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