March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Excluding skin cancers, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society. The American Cancer Society also notes that the death rate for older adults has been dropping by 1.5% per year, which can be attributed to early screening and improved treatments, but for those under age 55, death rates have been increasing due to the early onset of disease.
Here is what you should know about the disease.
What is colorectal cancer?
Colorectal cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the colon (large intestine) or the rectum. Most colorectal cancers start as polyps (small, precancerous growths) in the lining of the colon or rectum. Over time, these polyps can become cancerous.
What are the symptoms to look for?
Precancerous polyps and early stages of colorectal cancer may have no symptoms, which is why early screening is important. Some alarm symptoms to look out for are changes in bowel habits like diarrhea or constipation that last more than a few weeks, blood in the stool, pencil-thin stools, feeling like your bowel is not completely emptying, or unexplained or new anemia. Remember to always trust your gut. If you are experiencing new or worrying symptoms, do not ignore them. Reach out to your healthcare team if you have any symptoms, regardless of age.
How can I reduce my risk of developing colorectal cancer?
To reduce your risk of developing colon cancer, a healthy lifestyle consisting of a nutritious diet and regular exercise is recommended. If you suspect symptoms of colorectal cancer, it is important to get a screening colonoscopy, which will determine the presence of polyps. Eating a Mediterranean diet, limiting processed foods and red meat, maintaining a healthy weight, getting at least 30 minutes of exercise daily, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol intake are also great ways to reduce your risk of developing colorectal cancer.
Why is a colonoscopy the recommended prevention technique?
Colonoscopy can be used as a screening test that may detect and prevent cancer. The purpose of a colonoscopy is to identify and remove the polyps before they become cancerous. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that adults between the ages of 45 and 75 be screened for colorectal cancer. You should be screened earlier if you have a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, or genetic syndromes that may predispose you to colorectal cancer. Most, if not all, insurance companies will cover a screening colonoscopy, as it is considered a preventive test.
Are there other options aside from a colonoscopy?
While a colonoscopy is considered the gold standard for screening for colorectal cancer, any screening is better than no screening at all. Other options for screening include two stool-based tests: the FIT test and Cologuard. A FIT test can detect hidden blood in the stool. A Cologuard test looks for abnormal DNA associated with colon cancer or precancerous polyps. It is important to note that if a FIT test or Cologuard returns a positive result, you will need to follow up with a colonoscopy.
I am nervous to get a colonoscopy, do you have any advice?
A colonoscopy is a painless procedure that you will be asleep for. The prep is the hardest part of the colonoscopy procedure because it involves frequent trips to the bathroom to clean you out.
What is the Fast-Track Screening Colonoscopy program at Valley?
The Fast-Track Screening Colonoscopy Program at The Valley Hospital was created to streamline the process of getting a colonoscopy. Patients are screened on the phone, and if they are deemed eligible for the program, they can bypass the initial pre-procedure visit with a gastroenterologist or colorectal surgeon and be scheduled for a colonoscopy. Patients must be healthy and at low risk for colorectal cancer.
By removing the initial consultation, the program saves patients both time and money. Our goal is to remove barriers that are preventing patients from getting a screening colonoscopy, and by doing so, we are increasing colorectal cancer prevention.
To learn more about the Fast-Track Screening Colonoscopy program at Valley, including eligibility requirements, please visit ValleyHealth.com/FastTrack.
