Colon cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death in the United States. However, it is also one of the most preventable.
The American Cancer Society recommends people with an average risk of colorectal cancer start screening at age 45. However, those with a family history of colorectal cancer or with particular risk factors need to start screening much earlier.
Fortunately, prevention is possible through early detection and treatment. UF Health Shands Hospital is ranked as one of the nation’s top hospitals for colon cancer surgery. They are dedicated to helping individuals reduce the risk of colon cancer through awareness and education.
The Risk Factors to Know When to Start Colorectal Screening
According to Dr. Anil Sharma, a gastroenterologist at the Division of Gastroenterology specializing in Early Onset Colorectal Cancer (EOCRC), an alarming trend is occurring in younger males.
“I am seeing more and more young people coming in with diagnoses of colon cancer which could have been caught earlier when their symptoms began.” Said Dr. Sharma. These symptoms are blood in the stool, constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain and bloating.
Dr. Sharma states this is occurring especially in young males who may feel it unnecessary to see their Primary Care Physician regarding the above complaints, or they may not even have a PCP to begin with. Or, their PCP may also be unaware that these symptoms in younger people may indicate a serious underlying issue that warrants a referral to a GI for a colonoscopy.
Sharma believes educating patients and their PCPs can help bridge the gap in delayed screening and colon health.
“Because of this delay, younger people are in a later stage of cancer at diagnosis, as there are four distinct stages of colon cancer,” said Sharma. “This could be mitigated if younger people with abdominal discomforts and such could get their colonoscopy earlier.”
Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of cancer death among people under 50 in the United States. Rates of new diagnoses in this age group are still climbing.
“We are not quite sure what may be causing this increase of cases in younger people, but there are studies now looking at lifestyle, the Western diet and the health of the gut microbiome as factors that may be contributing to its increase,” said Sharma.
The risk of colorectal cancer increases with the following:
- People aged 50 and older
- African Americans carry a higher risk
- Personal history of polyps or colorectal cancer
- Family history of colorectal cancer
- Specific genetic syndromes
- History of radiation therapy to the pelvis or stomach
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Western diet
- Sedementary lifestyle
- Smoking
Colonoscopies Are the Gold Standard In Screening
Colon cancer generally develops from small growths known as polyps in the colon lining. These cells typically do not become cancerous, or malignant. However, when they do, the process usually takes about 10 to 15 years to complete. That is why individuals with an average risk of colon cancer should undergo a colonoscopy every 10 years after age 45.
“We can’t change our genes or family history, but we can work on our modifiable risk factors — like sedentary lifestyle, smoking and use of red meats and processed foods. We can also promote earlier screening that can give patients a baseline to work from.” Said Dr. Sharma.
Prepping for screening has become much more patient-friendly. Patients can use several different forms of preps to clear their colon with either pills or liquids that are more comfortable. During the screening, the patient is sedated, and the procedure lasts about 30 to 60 minutes.
UF Health patients can receive a comprehensive colonoscopy and other procedures to screen for colon cancer. The staff will carefully assess each patient’s risk factors and recommend the appropriate screenings. These screenings may include the following:
- Colonoscopy
- Sigmoidoscopy
- Stool samples
Ways To Prevent Colorectal Cancer
To reduce the risk of colorectal cancer, UF Health recommends the following:
- Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and unprocessed whole grains
- Limiting consumption of processed red meats
- Exercising regularly
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Not smoking
- Limiting alcohol consumption
Talk to your doctor about when to begin screening and which tests are right for you.
Several organizations offer colorectal cancer screenings and education in Greater Gainesville:
By Deborah Holmén, M.Ed., NBCT.