Dr. JIM SURRELL

According to the United States National Institutes of Health, the two most common causes of cancer death in the USA are lung cancer and colorectal cancer. Current statistics from the NIH indicates that lung cancer causes approximately 127,000 deaths every year, and colorectal cancer causes approximately 53,000 deaths per year. So, what can we personally do as individuals to try to prevent from ever getting the two most common cancers in the USA?

Lung Cancer Prevention – There is an enormous body of scientific evidence that clearly documents that cigarette smoking is the major cause of lung cancer. The risk of lung cancer associated with cigarette smoking will significantly increase when a person chooses to smoke over a number of years. On average, current smokers have approximately 20 times the risk of lung cancer when compared with nonsmokers. Further, also based on solid evidence, exposure to secondhand smoke is an established cause of lung cancer. It is further proven that nonsmokers who are exposed to secondhand smoke have approximately a 20 percent increased risk of also developing lung cancer.

Clearly, if a person does not wish to get lung cancer, it is essential to stop all smoking and it is also very important to avoid all secondhand smoke. By following these two personal wise choices, one will very substantially reduce their risk of ever getting the highly life threatening disease of lung cancer.

Colorectal Cancer Prevention – Colorectal cancer almost always develops from precancerous polyps (abnormal growths) in the colon or rectum. Screening testscan find these precancerous polyps, so that they can be removed before they turn into cancer. Screening tests can also find colorectal cancer early, when colorectal cancer treatment will give the patient the best chance to receive a complete cure of this all too common preventable cancer.

The current colorectal cancer screening recommendations are as follows. Regular screening, beginning at age 45, is the key to preventing colorectal cancer. The United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends that all adults from age 45 to 75 be screened for colorectal cancer. This Task Force also recommends that adults from age 76 to 85 talk to their doctor about what screening will be best for them. It is very important to also know that if a person has a family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps, because this will increase a person’s risk of colorectal cancer.

There are multiple ways to screen for colorectal cancer, including stool tests, flexible sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, and CT scan colonography (virtual colonoscopy). It is very important to discuss with your personal health care provider as to which colorectal screening test will be best for you.

Do yourself and your family a huge favor by not smoking, avoiding all secondhand smoke, and following the current screening guidelines to prevent colorectal cancer. And yes, these are your “Doctor’s Orders” for you to follow to help you avoid cancer and stay healthy.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Dr. Jim Surrell is the author of the best-selling SOS (Stop Only Sugar) Diet book and his new Joke Book, entitled “Laughter Is Good Medicine”. Dr. Jim’s website is sosdietbook.com.