Studies show the incidence of obesity continues to increase in the United States. Plus, strong scientific evidence links obesity to greater colorectal cancer risk. Therefore, the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) and the Campaign to End Obesity are combining efforts during March Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month to educate the public about obesity as a major risk factor for colorectal cancer, the second leading cancer killer in the United States. The two organizations also strive to convey the importance of colorectal cancer screening in patients with high body mass index.
The relationship between metabolic syndrome and colorectal cancer mortality, and type 2 diabetes mellitus and colorectal cancer risk, suggests that obesity-induced insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia may play a part in the development of colorectal cancer.
According to ACG President Lawrence R. Schiller, MD, FACG, “Dietary and other modifiable risk factors may account for as many as 90% of colorectal cancers, and recent studies suggest that about one-quarter of colorectal cancer cases could be avoided by following a healthy lifestyle. Consumers need to understand the link between a higher Body Mass Index and colorectal cancer, take this risk factor seriously, and talk to their doctor about colorectal cancer tests.”
Stephanie Silverman, co-founder of the Campaign to End Obesity said, “Obesity is the precursor to an array of serious diseases, among them colorectal cancer.…Fortunately, we have available many useful and practical tools to help people. Screening is one of the most powerful weapons at-hand for preventing colorectal cancer and obesity. Education around these issues is of utmost importance.”
Recommendations from the ACG state that men and women with average risk for colorectal cancer should begin screening at age 50. Colorectal cancer screening should begin at age 45 for African-Americans. The preferred colorectal cancer prevention test is a colonoscopy performed every 10 years.
Source: ACG.
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