Chronic ulcerative colitis increases the risk for colon cancer . Annual colonscopy is often recommended as a screening mechanism depending on other risk factors, particularly any evidence of precancerous tissue. There is a currently great research effort to define chemopreventive agents for colon cancer as well as many other types of cancer. Chemoprevention is the attempt to use natural and synthetic compounds to interfere at the early stages of cancer, before invasive disease begins. Cancers of the Gastrointestinal System Colorectal Colorectal cancer is very common, usually occurring after the age of 50.
Polyps are painless but can bleed, causing blood to be present in the stool.
The progression to cancer usually does not occur until after the age of 40 unless there is a genetic-linked familial disorder. Routine medical examination helps detect colorectal cancer at early stages, thereby improving the likelihood of successful treatment. Simple tests to chemically detect small amounts of blood in the stool that are not visible to the eye can be easily performed in the home. Both polyps and colon cancer occur much more frequently in Western societies where the diets are low in fruits, vegetables, protein from vegetable sources and fiber. Smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages appear to increase the risk of polyp formation.