March is the month to be aware of and to prevent colorectal cancer, also known as cancer of the colon or rectum. According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Fortunately, early diagnosis can often lead to a complete cure.
Colorectal cancer affects men and women of all racial and ethnic groups, and is most often found in people aged 50 years or older. It is the 3rd most common cancer for both men and women in the U.S.
There is no single cause of colorectal cancer. Most cases begin as benign (non-cancerous) polyps, which slowly develop into cancer over time.
Risk factors for colorectal cancer include:
· Being age 50 or older
· Personal or family history of colorectal cancer or polyps
· African American or of Eastern European descent
· A diet high in red and/or processed meats
· A sedentary lifestyle
· A low-fruit and low-vegetable diet
· A low-fiber and high-fat diet
· Overweight or obesity
· Drinking alcohol regularly
· Tobacco use
· A genetic syndrome such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (Lynch syndrome)
Symptoms of colorectal cancer include:
· Blood in or on your stool (bowel movement)
· Stomach pain, aches, or cramps that don’t go away
· Losing weight without explanation
Colorectal polyps and cancer often don’t cause symptoms, especially early on. That is why regular screening is so important. Furthermore, these symptoms may be caused by other health issues and not colorectal polyps or cancer. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or risk factors for colorectal cancer, talk to your doctor about your risk and need for screening, as well as a thorough exam.
If everyone aged 50 or older had regular screening tests, as many as 60% of deaths from colorectal cancer could be prevented. Screening is used to find pre-cancerous polyps (abnormal growths) in the colon so they can be removed before they turn into cancer. Screening also helps to find colorectal cancer at an early stage, when treatment is most effective and successful. Screening is recommended to all adults beginning at age 50. Men and women who are experiencing symptoms or who have a family history of colorectal cancer should talk to their doctors about being screened before age 50.
Screening options for colorectal cancer include:
· Stool test – Upon obtaining a stool sample, tests are run to detect any blood (seen or unseen) that may be present in your stool. This option is recommended once a year unless otherwise specified by your doctor.
· Flexible sigmoidoscopy* – During this exam, the doctor inserts a short, thin, flexible, lighted tube into the rectum to check for polyps or cancer inside the rectum and lower third of the colon. This option is recommended every 5 years unless otherwise specified by your doctor.
· Colonoscopy* – This screening test is considered the gold standard of all screening tests for colorectal cancer. It is similar to the flexible sigmoidoscopy, except a longer tube is used to inspect the entire colon, which can be up to 5-6 feet long. During this exam the doctor can find and remove most polyps and some cancers. Colonoscopy is also used as a follow-up test if anything unusual is found during one of the other screening tests. This option is recommended every 10 years unless otherwise specified by your doctor. Reasons for more frequent colonoscopies could be the presence of polyps, family history, or related symptoms.
*Special preparation is required 24 hours prior to these screening tools to cleanse the colon in order for the doctor to accurately inspect the colon. Fortunately, the methods of preparation have evolved over the past several years and now come in many different flavors of liquid, and also include a pill form to ease the process.
Prevention is key!
Living a healthy lifestyle could help to prevent colorectal cancer, as well as many other cancers and health problems. This includes getting regular physical activity, eating a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fiber and low in fat, limiting alcohol consumption, and avoiding tobacco. Furthermore, discuss your family history and personal health with your doctor at your regular well visit. And remember to be screened for colorectal cancer at age 50 or when recommended by your doctor to help prevent or detect early colorectal cancer. During the rest of the month of March, make it a point to put your health first by talking with your doctor. Also, share this information with friends and loved ones and join the fight again colorectal cancer.
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