Fact:At least 6 out of every 10 deaths from colorectal cancer could be prevented if all men and women aged 50 years or older were screened routinely.

Fact:The American Cancer Society estimated that in 2011 about 141,210 people were diagnosed with colorectal cancer in the US.

Fact:The American Cancer Society estimated that in 2011 about 49,380 people died of colorectal cancer in the US.

Fact:Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer.

Fact:Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death in both men and women in the US.

Fact:Overall, 90% of new cases and 94% of deaths occur in individuals 50 and older.

Fact:Colorectal cancer incidence and mortality rates are highest in African American men and women.

Fact:One of the most consistently reported relationships between colon cancer risk and behavior is the protective effect of physical activity.

Fact:The goals of screening for colorectal cancer are the prevention of cancer through the detection and removal of precancerous growths and the diagnosis of cancers at an early stage.

Diet

High Fiber Diet

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Function of the Colon

The main job of the colon is to complete the digestion process. This occurs by removing excess water from food wastes entering from the small intestine. When wastes pass through the intestines too quickly, not enough water is absorbed and watery stools and diarrhea are the result. In contrast, if the passage of waste is too slow, too much water is absorbed. This results in hard stools and constipation, which often leads to straining.

The Importance of Dietary Fiber

Fiber promotes the wavelike contractions that keep food moving through the intestines. Fiber passes through the intestine undigested. It also absorbs many times its weight in water, resulting in softer, bulkier stools. This usually results in the stool passing through the bowel easily and quickly. In this manner, it is believed that harmful substances are swept out of the digestive tract before they can cause problems. A softer, larger stool can help prevent constipation and straining. This can help avoid or relieve hemorrhoids. More bulk means less pressure in the colon, which is important in the treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Diverticulosis. In addition, fiber appears to be important in the treating diabetes, elevated cholesterol, colon polyps and cancer of the colon.

Here's a look at the fiber content of some common foods*. Read nutrition labels to find out exactly how much fiber is in your favorite foods. Recommended fiber amounts for women is 21 to 25 grams a day and for men is 30 to 38 grams a day.

Dietician

A high fiber diet can be difficult to understand; therefore, at Gastroenterology Consultants, we offer consultation and education from an in-house Registered Dietician.