Nevada Cancer Institute, the state’s official cancer institute, would like to remind Nevadans that March is Colon Cancer Awareness month.

Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in Nevada, and among nonsmokers it is No. 1.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates that in 2007, 1,120 Nevadans will be diagnosed with colon cancer and that 490 will die. In the United States, an estimated 153,760 men and women will be diagnosed with colon cancer while another 52,180 will succumb to the disease.

Colon cancer can almost always be treated successfully if detected early. Starting at age 50, men and women should begin screenings. If colon cancer is found early and treated, the 5-year survival rate is 90 percent. But because many people are not getting tested, only 39 percent of cases are diagnosed at an early stage when treatment is most successful, the ACS reports.

Colonoscopy is the best test to detect colon cancer. A colonoscopy can detect polyps that have developed in the lining of the colon or rectum (colon cancer and rectal cancer are collectively known as colorectal cancer). Certain kinds of polyps have the potential to become cancerous.

The goal of colon cancer screening is to find polyps and cancers before they cause symptoms. These tests offer the best opportunity to detect colon cancer at an early stage when successful treatment is likely, and to prevent some cancers by detection and removal of polyps

The ACS has identified several risk factors for developing colorectal cancer:

• Age: More than 90 percent of people diagnosed with colorectal cancer are older than 50.
• A personal history of colorectal cancer.
• A personal history of colorectal polyps.
• A personal history of chronic inflammatory bowel disease.
• A family history of colorectal cancer. People with a family history of colorectal cancer need to talk with their doctor about beginning screenings before age 50.

Further information about colon cancer risk factors and screening guidelines, can be found at www.cancer.org.