Campus

Mission
Tool Kit
Colon Cancer
Awareness
Campus
Mission
Did you know?
A persons lifetime risk of developing colon cancer is
about 1 in 20 in the United States.
In 2013, there will be an estimated 103,480 new cases
of colon cancer and 40,340 new cases of rectal cancer.
An estimated 50,830 men and women will lose their
lives to colon cancer.
Colon cancer is the third most common cancer
diagnosed in men and women in the US.
Even though we dont know the cause of most colorectal
cancers, many of them can be prevented.
The ve-year relative survival rate for colon cancer in
localized stages (when its small and hasnt spread) is
90%.
Today, there are more than 1 million colon cancer
survivors in the United States.
Basic Facts
Colorectal cancer (most commonly referred to as colon cancer) is a malignant or cancerous tumor that develops from a cell
in the colon or rectum. This cancer is often found after symptoms appear, and people usually have advanced disease by the time
symptoms are seen. Common signs and symptoms include a change in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, weakness
and fatigue, and unintended weight loss.
Finding colon cancer early, before symptoms are present, is very important because the cancer can spread if not treated.
Regular colon cancer screenings can not only nd cancer early, when its easiest to treat, but can also prevent colon cancer
altogether in many cases. This is because some polyps (growths) can be found and removed before they have the chance to
turn into cancer.
Who is at risk?
The risk of developing colon cancer increases with age.
Although young adults can get this disease, more than 9
out of 10 people diagnosed with colon cancer are at least
50 years old.
A history of adenomatous polyps (adenomas) puts a
person at increased risk of developing colon cancer. This is
especially true if the polyps are large or if there are many
of them.
If a person has inammatory bowel disease (IBD), they are
at greater risk for this cancer. IBD includes ulcerative colitis
and Crohns disease and is a condition in which the colon
is inamed over a long period of time.
As many as 1 in 5 people who develop colorectal cancer
have other family members who have been affected by
this disease. About 5 to 10% of people who develop
colorectal cancer have inherited gene defects (mutations)
that cause the disease.
2013 American Cancer Society, Inc. No. 0706.26
Models used for illustrative purposes only.
Campus Mission Tool Kit
Colon Cancer Awareness
African Americans have the highest colon cancer incidence
and mortality rates of all racial groups in the United States.
The reasons for this are not yet understood. Jews of Eastern
European descent (Ashkenazi Jews) have one of the highest
colon cancer risks of any ethnic group in the world. Several
gene mutations leading to an increased risk of colon cancer
have been found in this group.
Additional risk factors are:
Type 2 (usually non-insulin dependent) diabetes
A diet high in red meats (beef, lamb, or pork) and
processed meats (hot dogs and some processed
luncheon meats)
Physical inactivity
Obesity
Smoking
Heavy alcohol consumption (more than two
drinks a day)
Preventon and detecton
Colon cancer can be prevented with regular screening.
Cancer screening is the process of looking for cancer in
people who have no symptoms of the disease. Several
different tests can be used to screen for colorectal cancers,
and tests that have the best chance of nding both polyps
and cancer are preferred if these tests are available. Finding
and removing polyps keeps some people from getting colon
cancer. Visit cancer.org/cancer/colonandrectumcancer for
more information about colon cancer prevention, detection,
and treatment.
Colorectal cancer screening should start at age 50 for people
at average risk. The American Cancer Society recommends
the following for these people:
Tests that fnd polyps and cancer
Flexible sigmoidoscopy every ve years
Colonoscopy every 10 years
Double-contrast barium enema every ve years
CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy) every ve years
Tests that mainly fnd cancer
Fecal occult blood test (FOBT) every year
Fecal immunochemical test (FIT) every year
Everyone 50 and older should have one of these tests.
Encourage people you know to talk with their doctors
about the screening guidelines to determine the test thats
best for them.
Campus Mission Tool Kit
Colon Cancer Awareness
Actvity Ideas for Campuses
Many thanks to Colleges Against Cancer chapters across the country for submitting these ideas!
Remember to adapt these best practices to t your campus. Dont forget to provide colorectal cancer
information at every event!
Colon Cancer Awareness Month: March
Awareness Color: Blue
Play Pop the Polyp! Place colon cancer facts inside red
balloons, and inate them. Tie the balloons to participants
ankles with string, then have participants try to pop each
others polyps. When the last polyp has been popped,
share all of the facts with the group.
Set up a table for sending colon cancer screening
reminders! Have students decorate and address postcards
to be mailed to friends, relatives, and professors over the
age of 50 after the event. Or, have them mail the colon
cancer-free zone pledge cards (6302.10).
Invite a colorectal cancer survivor to speak at a
Colleges Against Cancer meeting or Relay For Life

event.
Do a Colon Crawl! Construct a colon out of cardboard
boxes and polyps out of balloons, and tape the balloons
inside the boxes. Have students race through the colon.
Dont forget to tape colon cancer facts inside! Students
must repeat two facts to win.
Host a campus discussion at a faculty, staff, or human
resources department meeting. Start the meeting by informing
the participants about colon cancer risk factors, such as age,
personal history of colorectal cancer, polyps, physical inactivity,
and tobacco use. Then, encourage participants over the age of
50 to get screened for colon cancer and to invite friends and
family over 50 to do the same.
Hang posters with colon cancer facts in bathroom stalls.
Remind students to remind their loved ones to get colon
cancer screenings!
Donate one of the American Cancer Societys books
about colon cancer and treatment to a local library.
Dont forget about colon cancer awareness at your Relay
For Life team meetings, kickoffs, and events! Do one of
these activities, and dont forget about using track signs
and stage announcements!