Colorectal Cancer Risk Factors
Studies have shown that having certain risk factors can make people more likely
to develop colorectal cancer. Risk factors include the following (in no particular
order):
- Age: Over 90% of people diagnosed with colorectal cancer are older
than age 50.
- Family history: People with a close relative (parent, brother,
sister, child) who have had colorectal cancer are at higher risk of developing colorectal
cancer. This is especially true if those family members got the cancer at a younger
age. If many close relatives have a history of colorectal cancer, the risk is even
greater.
- Personal history: People who have already had colorectal cancer
are at risk of developing it again.
- Intestinal polyps: Having large or many polyps puts people at an
even greater risk of colorectal cancer.
- Genetic alterations: People with changes in certain genes are more
likely to develop colorectal cancer. For more information about the common types
of inherited (genetic) colorectal cancer, visit the American Cancer Society Web site.
- Diet: People who eat mostly foods that are high in fat, especially
from animal sources, are at higher risk of colorectal cancer. (It is recommended
that individuals consume plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grain foods, and
limit intake of high-fat foods.)
- Physical activity: People who do not exercise enough or are very
overweight are more likely to develop colorectal cancer.
- Cigarette smoking/alcoholism: Smokers or people with a history
of alcoholism may be at an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer. Discuss
any colorectal cancer risk factors you may have with your doctor.
Learn about the signs and symptoms
of colorectal cancer.
Important Safety Information
Anaphylactic-like reactions to ELOXATIN have been reported and may occur within
minutes of ELOXATIN administration. Epinephrine, corticosteroids, and antihistamines
have been employed to alleviate symptoms.
- Do not take ELOXATIN if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in ELOXATIN or
other medicines that contain platinum. Tell your doctor right away if you feel like
your throat is closing up, have shortness of breath, a flushed face, a rash, itching/hives,
swelling of lips or tongue, sudden cough, dizziness, sweating or chest pain.
- ELOXATIN can cause nerve problems. Tell your doctor right away if you become sensitive
to cold temperatures and cold objects; have trouble breathing, swallowing or saying
words; experience jaw tightness, odd feelings in your tongue, or chest pressure;
pain; tingling or burning in your hands, feet or around your mouth or throat.
- Tell your doctor if you develop a dry cough or have trouble breathing; these may
be signs of serious lung disease.
- ELOXATIN can cause liver problems (hepatotoxicity); your doctor will do blood tests
to watch for this.
- Because of the potential risk of fetal harm, pregnant women should not receive ELOXATIN.
Women of childbearing potential should avoid becoming pregnant while receiving ELOXATIN.
- ELOXATIN can cause a decrease in white blood cells, which can lead to infections.
Tell your doctor right away if develop any of the following signs of infection:
fever, chills, or shivering; cough that brings up mucus, burning or pain on urination,
pain on swallowing; sore throat; or redness or swelling at injection site.
- Other common side effects of ELOXATIN include a decrease in white blood cells, red
blood cells, and platelets, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and tiredness.
- Tell your doctor about all the medications you take, including prescription and
non-prescription medications, vitamins and herbal supplements.
Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go
away. These are not all the possible side effects of ELOXATIN. For more information,
ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Please
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