Colorectal Cancer Is A Top Killer In Louisiana

Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in both Louisiana and the United States, edging out breast, prostate, and lung cancers.

The Louisiana Comprehensive Cancer Control Program (LCCCP) encourages all Louisiana residents 50 and over get screened during the month of March, which has been dedicated to Colorectal Cancer Awareness.

African-American men and Cajuns suffer disproportionately from the disease. African American men face a number of barriers when it comes to colorectal cancer screening, including a lack of access to screening and/or doctor recommendation, as well as avoidance of the issue. A recent Tulane/LSU study showed that Cajuns have a higher incidence of the disease due to genetic factors.

Everyone 50 and over should get colorectal cancer screenings on a regular basis. Colorectal cancer is preventable but often suffer from it because of misconceptions and myths.

Risk factors for colorectal cancer beyond age, racial/ethnic background and misconceptions include a history of other diseases, such as Type 2 diabetes; a personal or family history of polyps and/or colorectal cancer; inflammatory bowel disease; and inherited syndromes (FAP, HNPCC, Turcot Sydrome, Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome, MUTYH-Associated Polyposis).

Lifestyle risk factors that can lead to colorectal cancer include a diet high in red and processed meats, such as beef, pork, lamb, liver, hot dogs and certain kinds of luncheon meats; physical inactivity; being obese; smoking; and heavy use of alcohol (more than two drinks a day for men; one for women.)

Every single region of Louisiana has a higher colorectal cancer death rate higher the Unites States as a whole.
To learn more about colorectal cancer, including its risks, symptoms, screening recommendations and more, click here.