Colorectal cancer alert for men.

The non-profit Cancer Detection Center, was founded in 1944 with the twin goals of educating people about cancer prevention and screening them at low-cost for early detection of cancer.

Colorectal Cancer, is now the Third most Common Cancer In Men and the Third Most Common Cause Of Death In Men. The expanded use of early detection allows for the best possible survival rate amongst those found to have colon cancer. Early detection of colorectal cancer begins with annual digital rectal exams, where the doctor inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum and feels for abnormal tissue. Beginning at age 50, an annual fecal occult blood test is needed in order to check for hidden blood in the stool which could be indicative of colon cancer. Additionally, at age 50, a sigmoidoscopy every three to five years should be given. This is an examination of the rectum and lower colon, using a sigmoidoscope, where the doctor looks through a thin, lighted tube to check for polyps, tumors or other abnormalities.

In 1996, 68,000 men will be diagnosed with colon cancer and 40%, or 27,000 men, will die. In California, one out of seventeen Californians will develop colorectal cancer in their lifetimes.

The colon and rectum are part of the digestive system. Together they are called the large intestine or large bowel. The colon is the upper 5 - 6 feet of the large intestine and the rectum is the last 6 to 8 inches.

Signs and symptoms of possible colorectal cancer include: A change in bowel habits; general stomach discomfort; frequent gas pains; a feeling that the bowel does not empty completely; weight loss with no known reason and/or constant tiredness.

Colorectal cancer is generally treated with surgery, the most common treatment, chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. After fifty two years of public service, and 800,000 patients later, the Cancer Detection Center knows that Early Detection of Cancer could mean a cure where there is none now.