Fifty Plus (50+) - Another way to start the New Year right

Here's a little questionaire (http://www.cancer.gov/colorectalcancerrisk/default.aspx) you all should work through. It's from the National Cancer Institute, and it uses the most recent colon cancer risk studies to provide a 5-, 10-, and lifetime colon cancer risk assessment. It takes just a few minutes, and seems to be a good way to start the New Year.

Vigorous physical activity strongly correlates against developing colon cancer, so cycling is strong preventative medicine. I took the test, even though it says it's not for people with a personal history of colon cancer, and came out with a 5.0% lifetime risk (that's based on my lifestyle now, not five years ago when I got sick). The survey is not well made for tinkering with the risk factors by changing the answer to a question to see how it affects the whole, but it's clearly worth a few minutes of your time, and worth spreading to your friends and family.

We've discussed the need for colonoscopies many times here; I challenge each of you to get five people this year into the doctor for the test. Show them this screening questionaire and show them how important it is to get the test. If you've not had it, now is the time.

5 Year Risk: 0.7%

Explanation:
Based on the information provided (see below), the estimated chance for developing colorectal cancer over the next 5 years is 0.7%.



10 Year Risk: 1.4%

Explanation:
Based on the information provided (see below), the estimated chance for developing colorectal cancer over the next 10 years is 1.4%.



Lifetime Risk: 2.4%

Explanation:
Based on the information provided (see below), the estimated chance for developing colorectal cancer over the lifetime (to age 90) is 2.4%.

I'm surprised my percentages are not higher. It's the one C that I really dread the most and think I might be most susceptible to. My grandmother died from it, I had numerous benign polyps removed through 3 colonoscopies, etc. From the questions it sounds like exercise combined with eating leafy green veges along with avoiding certain over the counter meds helps to avoid the onset??

Life time risk 1.6

Thanks for the link. At "our age" one should pay close attention to how we treat our bodies. The old adage of use it or lose it can be very true. Even if we fall victim to some random illness we can still enjoy life while we are able. Eating right, exercising regularly are a good recipe for that.

I'm not saying that there is no risk- But Colon Cancer is not a major risk over here. But the same goes for heart problems and how many of us had had those.

If there is a "Risk" then get it checked out. And it would appear that being over 50 is a risk.

Unfortunately- a colonoscopy is not done here until there is a possibility of a problem being colon cancer- so there is very little information available in the UK.

The old adage of use it or lose it can be very true.

Exactly how does one not use a colon? :twitchy:

My calculated risks:

5 year risk - 0.1%
10 year risk - 0.3%
lifetime risk - 1.7%