Colorectal cancer, or colon cancer, is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States and has an incidence rate of 63.3 in rural Athens County, 52.9 in Ohio, and 50.6 in the US. This cancer of the large intestine begins as a benign polyp on the interior wall of the intestine. The modifiable risk factors for colon cancer include: sedentary lifestyle, exogenous carcinogens obtained by unhealthy dietary patterns, and late preventative screening. The risk of developing colorectal cancer increases with advancing age, starting at age 40. In the United states, people of age 50 years or older have accounted for more than 90% of total colorectal cancer cases. According to the CDC, 60% of all colon cancer deaths could be avoided if a midlife screening was performed.
There has been considerable research related to dietary patterns and colon cancer. For example, results show that the reduction or replacement of foods that increase insulin secretion and increase inflammation can reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. Also a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains provides vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that are beneficial in the prevention of colon cancer. Furthermore, studies have shown that increased fat intake and consumption of red meat have been strongly associated with the development of adenomatous polyps, which are precancerous lesions that often lead to colon cancer. Early screening procedures, like sigmoidoscopy, are effective at diagnosing adenomatous polyps, which can be removed to prevent progression into colon cancer.
The importance of physical activity as one of the primary prevention measures for colon cancer has been highlighted by various research studies that have investigated and identified the inverse relationship between physical activity and the risk of colon cancer. Patients of colon cancer often seek medical attention during the advanced stages of the disease, as symptoms during the initial stages are mild and often neglected. As a result, it is difficult to identify patients at risk, to provide information, and conduct early detection procedures, such as preventive screening.
The rural Appalachian region has a high prevalence of cancer, obesity and overweight problems. Therefore, the aim of our project is to increase knowledge and awareness about colon cancer and the existing available preventive services in rural Appalachian Ohio. By increasing knowledge and awareness about colon cancer, we hope to increase the number of individuals living in rural Appalachia in the USA who get screened for colon cancer. Additionally, we intend to educate the residents about existing facilities for colon cancer prevention available in the rural Appalachian region of Ohio. For more info listen to the radio program on Aggrey’s radio shows: Colorectal cancer under the blog role on the right
Dr. Aggrey Willis Otieno 
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