Colon cancer. Prevention and detection strategies.

The majority of colon cancers are adenocarcinomas originating from colonic epithelial tissue. Most colon tumors originate in the left side of the colon. Right colon tumors grow into the bowel lumen. The cause of colon cancer is not known, but risk factors have been identified. The three most prevalent are age, diet and genetics. Consumption of large amounts of fat and animal products increases the risk for colon cancer. Diets high in fiber and low in fat may protect against colon cancer due to the mucosa's more brief exposure to potential carcinogens. To reduce colon cancer risk in your patients, provide dietary counseling to promote a diet high in fiber and vitamins A, C and E. The diet should be low in fat, alcohol and preserved food items. Screening can reduce mortality rates by promoting diagnosis of cancer at an earlier, more treatable stage, since mortality rates increase with disease stage. Begin colon cancer screening of all patients at age 40 with annual digital rectal exam (DRE). At age 50, order annual DRE and occult blood testing.