Life is not Fair - More Cancer News

[Aggie_Ama]

What worries me is so many people in the family having the same kind of cancer, even though you're not all blood-related. It makes me wonder if there's not some sort of environmental thing going on here. Are you all getting screenings? I hope so.

Actually, colon cancer is increasing in our country, so hopefully everyone of age is getting screened. It is believed the diets that many Americans follow is leading to a higher rate. While it is shocking that so many in one family that aren't blood are being diagnosed it is not shocking that people are, unfortunately. I have had both my father, his father (who was actually his adoptive parent so not blood) with colon cancer and my mother had pre-cancerous polyps removed. Three unrelated by blood people from 1989-2006.

I took this snippet from WebMd, although I have in past discussed my risks with my own doctor and my husband's gastroenterologist.

Diets high in fat are believed to predispose humans to colorectal cancer. In countries with high colorectal cancer rates, the fat intake by the population is much higher than in countries with low cancer rates. It is believed that the breakdown products of fat metabolism lead to the formation of cancer-causing chemicals (carcinogens). Diets high in vegetables and high-fiber foods such as whole-grain breads and cereals may rid the bowel of these carcinogens and help reduce the risk of cancer.