March is National Colon Cancer Awareness Month. This month highlights a great opportunity to talk to your physician about colon cancer screening. While this is something that comes up on a daily basis for me in my gastroenterology practice at Montefiore in the Bronx, New York, patients may not always be thinking about colon cancer and what they need to know in order to hopefully decrease the incidence and prevalence of this disease.
Here are several important questions and answers that are important to discuss with your physician in regards to colon cancer and your risk.
Who gets colon cancer?
Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths and the third most common cancer in men and women. It occurs most often in people ages 50 and older, and the risk for cancer increases with age. Both men and women can get colon cancer at the same rate. Some may be at higher risk for the disease if they have a close relative with colon cancer, if they have a diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease or if they have a genetic syndrome such as familial adenomatous polyposis or hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer, also known as Lynch syndrome. Finally, there is some research to suggest there are ethnic differences in colon cancer, as African-Americans have a higher incidence rate with lower survival rates. If you have any concerns about your risk, discuss colon cancer screening with your physician.
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What can I do to reduce my risk of colon cancer?
Almost all colon cancers begin as a precancerous growth called a polyp; these are usually present for years before they develop into a cancer. Screening is the best way to reduce the risk for colon cancer, because the goal is to find these polyps before they turn into a cancer. Regular screening is important because most people will not have any symptoms for colon cancer or colon polyps at the time of screening. If there are symptoms, patients may note blood in the stool or blood mixed with their stool, and patients may also have unexplained abdominal pains or unexplained weight loss. Aside from regular screening, a diet low in animal fats and high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains may reduce the risk of chronic disease, which could help lower the risk for colon cancer. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force found that taking low-dose aspirin can help prevent cardiovascular disease and colon cancer depending on one’s age and risk factors. Lastly, there are studies that suggest increasing your physical activity, limiting alcohol intake and avoiding tobacco can help decrease the risk for colon cancer.
When should I get screened for colon cancer?
The USPSTF recommends regular screening begin at age 50; however, for those with certain conditions — such as a family history of a close relative with colon cancer, IBD or a genetic syndrome — it may be recommended to begin screening sooner. Certain professional medical societies also recommend African-Americans consider starting colon cancer screening at the age of 45 due to their higher rates of colon cancer. Colon cancer screening should be covered by insurance, but for those without insurance or who have a limited income, the local health department will know of any low or no-cost screening programs in the area.
[See: 8 Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Colon Cancer.]
What are my screening test options?
There are several options available, including stool testing, radiologic imaging, sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy. The USPSTF has established guidelines about when — and how often — to have each of these screening tests done. Stool tests, which should occur annually, check the stool for antibodies to blood. Sigmoidoscopy, a limited scope test that looks at the lower third of the colon and rectum for polyps or cancer, is recommended every five years. Radiologic imaging options include CT colonography, which is a specialized CT scan to look for polyps or cancers in the colon; the USPSTF recommends it’s done every five years. Finally, colonoscopy is a complete scope test that inspects the whole colon for polyps, and if any are found, the gastroenterologist can remove them during the exam. The USPSTF recommends this test is done every 10 years in the absence of polyps or other findings. If polyps are found, a colonoscopy usually needs to be repeated in three- to five-year intervals, since polyps can recur.
[See: 10 Seemingly Innocent Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore.]
What does each screening test involve?
Once you’re ready to discuss screening for colon cancer with your physician, be sure to ask what each test will entail. You want to be aware of any preparation that needs to be done including changes to your diet and medication prior to the testing. Also, it is important to ask about the risks involved for any test and ask how you will get your results.
Bottom line, colon cancer screening is important and should not be delayed as colon cancer is a highly preventable disease if caught early enough. Please talk to your physician about colon cancer screening and if you are a candidate for screening today — no ifs, ands or butts about it.
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Colon Cancer Screening: No Ifs, Ands or Butts About It originally appeared on usnews.com
