ORLANDO, Fla. – March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and if you or a loved one is 45 or older, now’s a good time to schedule a screening procedure. Colorectal cancer is the deadliest cancer in people under 50 and the second deadliest overall, according to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance.
“Without regular screening, early detection is challenging because the precancerous polyps from which most cancers arise typically cause no noticeable symptoms,” said Dr. Mohammad Anwer, gastroenterologist at HCA Florida Poinciana Hospital. “Of great concern is an increase in cases of colorectal cancer in younger adults under 50 years of age.”
Studies show in contrast to decreasing incidence rates of colorectal cancer in older adults, rates have increased substantially in younger adults since the early 1990s. Screening tests help identify precancerous polyps which can be removed before they turn into cancer. Screening tests can also find colorectal cancer early, when treatment works best.
There are several types of screenings:
- Stool tests: these tests can be taken at home and will detect blood in a stool sample, or in the case of a FIT-DNA test, can also detect altered DNA in a stool sample. How often: Every 1-3 years
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy: A doctor uses a lighted tube to check for polyps or cancer inside the rectum and lower third of the colon. How often: Every 5 years
- Colonoscopy: A doctor uses a longer tube to check the rectum and entire colon and can remove most polyps and some cancers during the procedure. How often: Every 10 years (people with an increased risk may need more frequent screenings).
HCA Healthcare’s Sarah Cannon Cancer Network recommends colorectal cancer screenings starting at age 45, and sometimes younger depending on personal or family history. People with inflammatory bowel disease, a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, or symptoms such as a change in bowel habits, blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss and abdominal pain that doesn’t go away should speak to a doctor.
Dr. Anwer notes there are additional steps you can take to reduce your risk of colorectal cancer, such as healthier eating and exercising.
“Eating a diet low in animal fats and high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, limiting alcohol consumption and avoiding tobacco are all valuable in minimizing your risk of developing colorectal cancer,” said Dr. Anwer. “Being physically active and maintaining a healthy weight is also important, for avoiding colon cancer as well as all-around good health.”
HCA Healthcare is improving systems of care. For more information about colorectal cancer screening, symptoms and treatment, please visit this link.
Provided by HCA Florida Healthcare