Colorectal Cancer: A Serious Health Concern That Can Be Prevented with Early Detection and Healthy Habits

Wilmington, NC, North Carolina United States of America
Colorectal cancer is a serious health concern that affects millions of people each year.
It is the second deadliest cancer in the United States, and an estimated 150,000 people will be diagnosed with it this year.
The risk increases for those over the age of 45 and those with a family history of colon cancer. Screening is recommended for all Americans starting at age 45 to detect colorectal cancer early when treatment options are most effective.
Colorectal Cancer: A Serious Health Concern That Can Be Prevented with Early Detection and Healthy Habits

Colorectal cancer is a serious health concern that affects millions of people each year. It is the second deadliest cancer in the United States, and an estimated 150,000 people will be diagnosed with it this year. The risk increases for those over the age of 45 and those with a family history of colon cancer. Screening is recommended for all Americans starting at age 45 to detect colorectal cancer early when treatment options are most effective. While there are many factors that can contribute to the development of colorectal cancer, it's important to practice healthy habits such as staying active, eating a high fiber diet, avoiding processed food and sugar drinks, not starting smoking and keeping alcohol consumption at a minimum. Regular check-ups with healthcare providers can also help detect any early signs of colorectal cancer.



Confidence

100%

No Doubts Found At Time Of Publication

Sources

65%

  • Unique Points
    • Screening for colorectal cancer is generally advised for people between the ages of 45 and 75.
    • An 18-year-old was diagnosed with rectal cancer by Dr. Fox.
    • All ages can practice important prevention methods such as staying active, eating a high fiber diet, avoiding processed food and sugar drinks, not starting smoking and keeping alcohol to a minimum.
  • Accuracy
    • Being over the age of 45, and having a family history of colon cancer increases the risk. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., and an estimated 150,000 people will be diagnosed with the disease this year.
    • Colorectal cancer is generally advised for people between the ages of 45 and 75.
  • Deception (30%)
    The article is misleading in that it implies that younger people are at a higher risk of colorectal cancer than they actually are. The author states that she has diagnosed an 18-year-old with rectal cancer and had all her patients under the age of 40, which suggests a much higher incidence rate for young people than is accurate. However, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), colorectal cancer is more common in adults over the age of 50. The article also implies that younger people can practice important prevention methods when in fact, there are no specific recommendations from the CDC for screening or prevention measures specifically targeted at young people.
    • The article implies that younger people can practice important prevention methods when in fact, there are no specific recommendations from the CDC for screening or prevention measures specifically targeted at young people.
    • The author states that she has diagnosed an 18-year-old with rectal cancer which suggests a much higher incidence rate for young people than is accurate.
  • Fallacies (85%)
    The article contains an appeal to authority fallacy by citing Dr. Sarah Fox as a source of information without providing any evidence or context for her expertise in the topic.
    • ]Dr. Sarah Fox, with Novant Health,
  • Bias (75%)
    The article discusses the prevalence of colorectal cancer in younger age groups and provides information on how to prevent it. However, there is a slight bias towards emphasizing that people under 40 can also be affected by this disease.
    • > Dr. Fox said “And it was really devastating.”
    • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
      WECT Staff has a conflict of interest on the topic of colorectal cancer in younger age groups as Dr. Sarah Fox is affiliated with Novant Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
      • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
        The author of the article has a conflict of interest with Dr. Sarah Fox and Novant Health as they are affiliated with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

        61%

        • Unique Points
          • President Joe Biden proclaimed March as the country's National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.
          • <br>Being over the age of 45, and having a family history of colon cancer increases the risk. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., and an estimated 150,000 people will be diagnosed with the disease this year.<br>
          • Nearly every family in America has been touched by cancer - including mine,
          • <br>The independent United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends regular colorectal cancer screenings for all Americans starting at age 45.
          • , The symptoms of colon cancer include blood in the stool, a change in bowel activity, abdominal pain, bloating, persistent cramps or unexplained weight loss.<br>
          • Biden encouraged government agencies, private businesses, non-profit organizations and other groups to join activities that will increase awareness and prevention of colorectal cancer.
        • Accuracy
          • Screening for colorectal cancer is generally advised for people between the ages of 45 and 75.
          • Colon cancer awareness month begins with messages about screening
          • <br>
          • The independent United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends regular colorectal cancer screenings for all Americans starting at age 45.
          • Dr. Sarah Fox, with Novant Health, spoke about the risks associated with colorectal cancer and how younger age groups can also be affected.
        • Deception (30%)
          The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the author claims that being over the age of 45 and having a family history of colon cancer increases the risk. However, this statement is not supported by any scientific evidence or peer-reviewed studies. Secondly, the author uses emotional manipulation to encourage support for patients with colorectal cancer without providing any information on how this can be achieved. Lastly, the article does not disclose sources.
          • The statement 'being over the age of 45 and having a family history of colon cancer increases the risk' is not supported by scientific evidence or peer-reviewed studies.
        • Fallacies (70%)
          The article contains an appeal to authority fallacy by citing President Joe Biden's statement about the importance of supporting patients and survivors with colorectal cancer. The author also uses a dichotomous depiction when stating that nearly every family in America has been touched by cancer. Additionally, there is inflammatory rhetoric used when describing the symptoms of colon cancer as 'blood in the stool' which can be seen as alarming and potentially misleading.
          • President Joe Biden proclaimed March is the country’s National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.
          • Nearly every family in America has been touched by cancer - including mine,
          • The symptoms include blood in the stool,
        • Bias (75%)
          The article contains a statement from President Biden that nearly every family in America has been touched by cancer. This is an example of emotional appeal and may be seen as biased towards those who have experienced cancer or their families.
          • > Nearly every family in America has been touched by cancer <
          • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
            The article by Gio Insignares on WPLG Local10.com discusses Colon cancer awareness month and the importance of colorectal cancer screenings. The author has a conflict of interest as they are affiliated with the United States Preventive Services Task Force which recommends colorectal cancer screenings.
            • The article mentions that Gio Insignares is a member of the United States Preventive Services Task Force, which recommends colorectal cancer screenings. This creates a conflict of interest as the author has an affiliation with an organization that promotes the very topic they are reporting on.
            • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
              The author has a conflict of interest on the topic of colon cancer awareness month as they are reporting for WPLG Local10.com which is likely to have financial ties with companies that provide colorectal cancer screenings.

              74%

              • Unique Points
                • Colorectal cancer is the second deadliest cancer in the United States.
                • Screening for colorectal cancer is generally advised for people between the ages of 45 and 75.
                • Being over the age of 45, and having a family history of colon cancer increases the risk. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., and an estimated 150,000 people will be diagnosed with the disease this year.
                • Nearly every family in America has been touched by cancer - including mine,
                • The independent United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends regular colorectal cancer screenings for all Americans starting at age 45.
              • Accuracy
                • <18-year-old was diagnosed with rectal cancer>
              • Deception (50%)
                The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, it states that colorectal cancer is the second deadliest cancer in the United States which is not entirely accurate as according to recent studies pancreatic and liver cancers have surpassed colorectal cancer as the second most deadly cancers. Secondly, while it mentions National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, it does not provide any information on what this month entails or how people can get involved in raising awareness about colorectal cancer. Thirdly, the article promotes Dignity Health as a source of information and encourages viewers to email them for business features which is an attempt at self-promotion.
                • No mention or link to National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month or how people can get involved in raising awareness about colorectal cancer
                • Promotion of Dignity Health for business features
                • The statement 'Colorectal cancer is the second deadliest cancer in the United States' is not entirely accurate
              • Fallacies (85%)
                The article contains an appeal to authority fallacy by stating that colorectal cancer is the second deadliest cancer in the United States without providing any evidence or citation. Additionally, it also uses inflammatory rhetoric by describing colorectal cancer as a deadly disease.
                • Colorectal cancer is the second deadliest cancer in the United States.
              • Bias (75%)
                The article has a moderate amount of bias. The author uses language that dehumanizes colorectal cancer by referring to it as the 'second deadliest' which is not accurate and can be seen as sensationalist.
                • > Colorectal cancer is the second deadliest cancer in the United States.
                • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                  None Found At Time Of Publication
                • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                  The author has a conflict of interest on the topic of Colorectal cancer as they are affiliated with Dignity Health which provides services related to colorectal cancer screening.