Video transcript
Hi, my name is Nathaniel Ferre. I am a community health educator at Huntsman Cancer Institute and today, I am going to introduce you to some experts who will teach us more about colorectal cancer and how to prevent it.
Let’s walk through our giant inflatable colon exhibit to learn more.
Normal Tissue
Welcome to the inside of a colon.
The colon is an organ inside our bodies that is very important for how our bodies use the food we eat.
This is what a healthy colon looks like.
Notice how it is pink, smooth, and does not have any growths.
Polyps
Polyps are small growths in the colon. They are small clumps of cells which can get bigger and some of them can turn into cancer.
This can really save lives, if we can find polyps early. We recommend that all adults start screening for colorectal cancer by age 45.
The best prevention is regular screening for polyps.
Crohn’s Disease
Illnesses can happen inside the colon.
This is Crohn’s disease, an illness where the colon is inflamed or swollen.
If you have this, it means that you may be more likely to develop colorectal cancer. Your doctor may recommend more screenings if you have this illness.
Sometimes, genetic diseases we can’t see also mean you may be more likely to develop cancer. Knowing your family history and, if anyone in your family has had cancer, is also important to tell your doctor.
Colon Cancer
If left unscreened, colorectal cancer can develop here. This is what colorectal cancer looks like when it begins to form.
There are things you can do to prevent colorectal cancer. Eat healthy food. Avoid red or processed meats. Be physically active. Avoid tobacco. And get screened.
Advanced Cancer
When colorectal cancer is not found early, it continues to grow inside the colon and sometimes throughout the body.
Oftentimes, there are no symptoms of colorectal cancer until it has actually grown.
To prevent advanced colorectal cancer, please get screened starting at age 45 and talk to your doctor about your personal history and your family history.
Call to Action
The more we know about cancer prevention, the better prepared we are to protect our own health and the health of our families.
Learn more about cancer prevention or contact the Cancer Learning Cancer if you have questions.