Colorectal cancer - it’s a subject that many people don’t want to think about – let alone talk about. But they should, because colorectal cancer (commonly known as colon cancer) is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be about 106,680 new cases of colon cancer and 41,930 new cases of rectal cancer in 2006 in the United States. Combined, they will cause about 55,170 deaths.

The good news is that colorectal cancer is preventable and curable if detected early, says Dayna Early, MD, Washington University gastroenterologist at Barnes-Jewish Hospital. Unfortunately, only 38 percent of colon cancers are currently found in the earliest and most treatable stage. Many doctors think that the disease goes undetected because people are afraid and uncomfortable about the screening process, and do not get tested.

Most colorectal cancers start as small benign polyps, which usually take years to degenerate into cancer. Polyps can be removed by using a lighted flexible tube inserted into the colon, called a colonoscopy. Virtually all polyps, and most early-stage colorectal cancer, produce no symptoms.

"The most common symptoms - change in bowel habits, rectal bleeding - often don''t appear until the cancer is more advanced and is harder to cure," Dr. Early says. "There is good evidence that colonoscopy prevents colorectal cancer from developing. When it has developed, the disease is about 90 percent curable if detected at an early stage."

That’s why screening is key. As part of national "Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month," the Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University is encouraging people to learn more about their risk of developing the disease. (Click here for help determining your risk). People at average risk should start screenings for colorectal cancer at age 50. Average risk would be people at age 50 or older with no history of irritable bowel disease or family history of colon polyps, particularly in first-degree relatives like siblings, parents or children.

This month, Siteman is offering an educational program on how to improve health while reducing your risk of developing colorectal cancer.

The program, called "Wildly Light and Lusciously Low Fat," features a Washington University colon and rectal surgeon from Barnes-Jewish Hospital, a registered dietitian and a local chef who provide nutritional information, prizes and a recipe samples. The event is Tuesday, March 21 from 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. at the Viking Restaurant and Holiday Inn Southwest, 10709 Watson Road.

People at average risk have several screening options. The first is to receive a fecal occult blood test every year starting at age 50. Or they can choose a flexible sigmoidoscopy (using a short, flexible, lighted videoscopy to inspect the lower third of the colon) every five years. The flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years can be combined with a fecal occult test every year.

The third option is to get a colonoscopy every 10 years beginning at age 50. If precancerous polyps are found, a colonoscopy every three years is necessary, Dr. Early says.

People at higher risk, including those with symptoms, a history of polyps or ulcerative colitis, or a family history, should have a colonoscopy at more frequent intervals, depending on their specific risk factor, starting between age 40 and 50. If you have a first-degree relative who has had colorectal cancer, you should start screening with a colonoscopy 10 years younger than when that person was diagnosed. Individuals with inflammatory bowel disease should talk to their physician about when to begin screenings for colorectal cancer, Dr. Early says.

For more information or for a free colorectal cancer awareness kit, call 314-TOP-DOCS or toll-free at 866-867-3627.