Colorectal Cancer Quiz

Take this quiz as it could help solidify your knowledge of colorectal cancer and maybe even teach you something you didn't know. Read the question first, select the answer that seems the most accurate from the choices given. The correct answer will be provided along with some additional information on the same topic. It might be helpful to retake the quiz after reading over the additional material. Good luck!

Question 1: My risk for colorectal cancer increases with age.
True or False

Question 2: If my doctor discovered polyps in the past, I am no longer at risk.
True or False

Question 3: One or more of my family members previously had polyps. Does this affect me?
True or False

Question 4: Eating more fats than fiber increases my risk of colorectal cancer.
True or False

Question 5: Smoking does not affect my colorectal cancer risk.
True or False

Question 6: Drinking more than two alcoholic beverages a day increases my risk. True or False

Question 7: Exercise has no affect on my risk.

True or False

Question 8: Which of these preventive measures is the most effective means of reducing risk?
A. diet high in fruits and vegetables
B. routine screening test
C. adequate calcium
D. all of the above

Question 9: How does colorectal cancer begin?
A. DNA changes in intestinal cells
B. tumors develop
C. polyps grow
D. intestinal lining thickens

Question 10: Where is colorectal cancer the second-most common form of cancer?
A. Asia
B. Western countries
C. South America
D. Australia

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ANSWERS:

A1: The correct answer is True.

Age is a significant risk factor for colorectal cancer: The older you are, the higher the risk. With each decade past 40, colorectal polyps and cancers become more common.

A2: The correct answer is False.
If you've had polyps or colon cancer in the past, your risk is greatest. For example, if you've had a pre-cancerous polyp, you have a 50-percent chance of developing more polyps.

A3: The correct answer is Yes.

Sometimes the abnormal genes in the cells lining the colon which allow polyps and cancers to develop are inherited. The more family members that have colorectal polyps or cancers, the higher your risk will be. But in most cases, the genes become abnormal by chance or because of cancer-producing chemicals (carcinogens) in the foods we eat. In addition, a family history of other types of cancer (i.e. ovarian, pancreatic, uterine and kidney) may increase your risk of colon cancer.

A4: The correct answer is True.

Many lifestyle factors have been associated with a higher risk for colorectal cancer. These include eating too much red meat and animal fats, and not eating enough fiber or fresh vegetables. Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle may also increase your risk.

A5: The correct answer is False.

Long-term cigarette smoking increases your risk developing colorectal cancer for two main reasons: inhaled or swallowed tobacco smoke transports carcinogens to the colon, and tobacco use appears to increase polyp size. In general, the bigger the polyp, the greater the chance it will become cancerous.

A6: The correct answer is True.

Colorectal cancer has been linked to heavy alcohol use. The highest risks are associated with distilled spirits like gin, vodka and bourbon.

A7: The correct answer is False.

You can reduce your risk by increasing physical activity in your everyday life. This can be as simple as choosing a distant parking space, taking the stairs, going shopping, cleaning your home, going for walks or playing with your children or pets. In general, you do not have to "work out" at the gym multiple times a week to reduce your risk of developing colorectal cancer. Simply leading an active lifestyle will help you reduce your risk.

A8: The correct answer is B
This test is the most important step to take. Exercise, a low-fat diet that includes adequate fiber, and maintaining an appropriate weight also help.

A9: The correct answer is A
Eating green vegetables with folate will help protect DNA.

A10: The correct answer is B