Detecting Colorectal Cancer Early: How Prevention and Screening Work Together

Did you know about 150,000 Americans are expected to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in the year 2025, and of the 150,000 diagnosed, more than 50,000 will die from this disease? Colorectal cancer is the 4th most common cancer diagnosis and the 2nd leading cause of cancer deaths in men and women combined.

These statistics are alarming but can be decreased by lifestyle changes and regular screening.

Find it early

Most colorectal cancers start as abnormal growths, called polyps, on the lining of the intestines. With regular screening, these polyps can be detected and removed before they develop into cancer. Even colorectal cancers can be treated successfully if detected in the early stage. According to the American Cancer Society, survival rates drop dramatically after cancer spreads to other parts of the body.

Screening is the best tool for finding polyps or colorectal cancer early. The ACS recommends that people at average risk for colorectal cancer start screening at age 45, which was recently lowered from 50 years old due to rising colorectal cancer rates in younger individuals. Some effective screening options include:

• Colonoscopy every 10 years.
• Fecal occult blood test every year.
• Stool DNA test every three years.

Your doctor can help you decide which screening program is right for you. If you have risk factors, such as a family history of colorectal cancer, polyps or inflammatory bowel disease, your doctor may recommend that you start screening earlier or be screened more often.

Your doctor can also help you decide when to stop screening. For people ages 76 to 85, the decision to screen for colorectal cancer should be done on an individual basis. People over the age of 85 don't require routine colorectal screening.

Prevention is best

You can take steps to lower your risk by making healthy lifestyle choices. The American Institute for Cancer Research recommends the following:

• Limit intake of red meat, such as beef and lamb, to no more than 18 ounces (cooked weight) a week.
• Avoid processed meat, such as hot dogs, ham, bacon and sausage.
• Know the risks of alcohol. Colorectal cancer has been linked to drinking alcohol.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Be physically active for at least a half hour a day.
• Don't ignore symptoms

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms of colorectal cancer may vary from person to person. It's also possible to have colorectal cancer and no symptoms at all. But if you have any of the following conditions, the National Cancer Institute says you should check with your doctor:

• A change in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation or narrowing of the stool.
• A feeling that your bowel doesn't empty completely.
• Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool.
• Frequent cramping pain in your lower abdomen.
• Weight loss with no known reason.
• Weakness and fatigue.

Having symptoms doesn't necessarily mean you have cancer, but they should always be investigated. Getting them checked could ease your mind, or it could save your life.

If you have any concerns regarding gastrointestinal symptoms, you can schedule an appointment with one of the experts at Atlantic General Gastroenterology by calling 410-629-1450.

And, if you are due for a colonoscopy, the Atlantic General Endoscopy Center has made the scheduling process easier than ever. Now, individuals at average risk for colorectal cancer can skip the office visit with their gastroenterologist before undergoing their colonoscopy by calling 410-641-9257 or visiting www.agh.care/colonoscopy.