Myths and Misinformation
Myths and Misconceptions About Colorectal Cancer
What you don’t know can hurt you. So can what you do know if your information is incorrect.
Despite being one of the most preventable and curable cancers, over 140,000 new cases of colorectal cancer are diagnosed, and over 50,000 people die from this disease each year. Many factors contribute to this problem but one of the biggest obstacles is overcoming the many myths and misconceptions that prevent people from taking action and getting screened.
It’s time to set the record straight!
Myths About the Disease
Myth #1: Colorectal cancer is a man’s disease
Truth: According to the American Cancer Society, the risk of developing colorectal cancer is almost the same for both men and women. The lifetime risk in men is about 1 in 19 and in women it’s 1 in 20.
Myth #2: Colorectal cancer is most common in Caucasian people
Truth: According to the Centers for Disease Control, African Americans have the highest rates of both getting and dying from colorectal cancer. Caucasions have the second highest rate, followed by Hispanic, Asian/Pacific Islander, and American Indian/Alaska Native people.
Colorectal Cancer Incidence Rates* by Race/Ethnicity and Sex, U.S., 1999–2007 |
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Myth #3: Colorectal cancer only affects people over 50
Truth: While the majority of colorectal cancers are diagnosed in people over 50, the disease can affect people of any age, especially those with a strong family history of colon cancer, multiple risk factors or those who carry specific genetic mutations. That is why it is important to talk to your doctor about your personal situation. If your medical history suggests you may be at risk, or if you are having symptoms, you should be screened for colorectal cancer regardless of your age.
Myth #4: Colorectal cancer is a rapidly spreading, deadly disease
Truth: Most forms of colorectal cancer are slow growing and as many as 95% of cases are curable if detected early.
Myth #5: I don’t have any symptoms therefore I don’t have the disease
Truth: During the early stages, most people with colorectal cancer have no symptoms at all. By the time symptoms—such as changes in stool, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain or unexplained weight loss—develop, the disease is often in a more advanced stage, meaning the treatment is less effective and the risk of dying from the disease is higher.
Myths About Screening
Myth #6: Having a colonoscopy is painful and embarrassing
Truth: Having a colonoscopy is not as unpleasant as most people expect it to be. The procedure takes 15 - 30 minutes during which time the patient is sedated to prevent discomfort.
Myth #7: Preparing for a colonoscopy is difficult
Truth: The steps necessary to clean out the colon in preparation for having a colonoscopy can be inconvenient, but there are various options your doctor can choose from to make the process more tolerable for you. A little discomfort or inconvenience is a small price to pay to possibly save your life.
Myth #8: A colonoscopy is the only way to screen for colorectal cancer
Truth: Colonoscopy is considered the gold standard in colorectal cancer screening. The entire colon can be examined and polyps can be removed immediately during the same procedure. However, there are alternatives such as a virtual colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy and fecal occult blood testing.
Myth #9: If I have a polyp, I have cancer
Truth: Polyps can be benign (not cancerous) or pre-cancerous meaning that if they are not removed they have the potential to become cancerous.
Myths About Treatment
Myth #10: If I have colorectal cancer, I will have to have a colostomy bag
Truth: Thanks to improvements in surgical techniques and treatment options, colostomies, which are artificial openings for the collection of excrement, are rare. When they are necessary, they are often only temporary.
Myth #11: I saw what someone went through with colorectal cancer and the same thing will happen to me
Truth: Each person’s experience is different, and having colorectal cancer now is not the same as having it twenty, ten or even five years ago. Tremendous strides have been made in both the diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer. Most diseases that are detected early are curable. Minimally invasive surgical techniques, more targeted and effective radiation and chemotherapy treatments, laser technology and cutting edge medical research have all contributed to making cancer treatment less traumatic and more effective, even for those with advanced stages of disease.
And perhaps the biggest myth of all….
Myth #12: There is nothing I can do to reduce my risk of getting colorectal cancer
Truth: While some risk factors like family history are beyond your control, an estimated 50 - 75% of colorectal cancer can be prevented though lifestyle alone! Eat a plant-based diet that is high in fruits, vegetable and whole grains; reduce your intake of red and processed meats; maintain a healthy weight; don’t smoke; drink alcohol in moderation; and enjoy regular exercise to reduce your chances of developing colorectal cancer or to keep it from coming back.
