Did you know that colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in men and women in the United States?
Overall, the lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer is about one in 20 (five percent). The risk is slightly more for men.
According to the National Cancer Institute, every year, about 151,030 Americans are diagnosed with colorectal cancer, and more than 50,000 people do not survive it.
March is Colorectal Cancer Month, and we’re encouraging everyone to learn about colorectal (colon) cancer.
Symptoms of Colon Cancer
When it comes to colon cancer, many patients have no symptoms.
However, some may notice:
- Abdominal pain
- Anemia that causes weakness and fatigue
- A feeling that the bowel will not empty completely
- Change in bowel habits, such as diarrhea or persistent constipation
- Rectal bleeding or blood in stool
- Unintentional weight loss
Patients who have any of these symptoms, should contact their primary care doctor for an evaluation and/or referral to a gastroenterologist — a provider specially trained in diagnosing and treating diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors for Colon Cancer
Older age is a risk factor. Colon cancer can be diagnosed at any age, but a majority of people with colon cancer are older than 50.
African-Americans have a greater risk of colon cancer than do people of other races.
A personal and family history of colorectal cancer or polyps presents a genetically predisposed risk.
Inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease can increase the risk for colon cancer.
Inherited syndromes that increase colon cancer risk, such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and Lynch syndrome. This is also known as hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC).
Additional preventable risks include a low-fiber, high-fat diet; obesity; diabetes; sedentary lifestyle; alcohol intake; and smoking.
Early Detection is Key: Get a Colonoscopy
Having a colonoscopy — a test that looks at the inner lining of the large intestine (colon) — provides early detection for polyps or cancer. Polyps, which are growths in the colon that can turn into cancer over time, are removed during a colonoscopy to prevent cancer or catch polyps that have transitioned into cancer at the stage when it is easier to cure.
Studies have shown that the incidence and mortality of colon cancer have decreased at a rate of 1.7 and 3.2 % per year since early 2000, thanks to screening modalities, including colonoscopies.
What to Expect During Your Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is typically performed as an outpatient procedure at an endoscopy suite.
How do you prepare?
A day before the procedure, patients are advised to go on a liquid diet, often referred to as a “bowel prep.” This liquid is specially formulated to clean the colon.
Each patient must also have a designated driver to and from the procedure.
What does the procedure involve?
For the colonoscopy procedure, patients are given medication, including a sedative, to help them relax. A colonoscope (a long, flexible tube) is inserted into the rectum. A tiny video camera at the tip of the tube allows the doctor to detect changes or abnormalities inside the entire colon.
How long does a colonoscopy procedure last?
The procedure usually takes 30 to 60 minutes. However, patients should plan on two to three hours for waiting, preparation and recovery. After the procedure, most patients can eat as normal.
How Often Do You Need a Colonoscopy?
The current guidelines are to start regular colonoscopy screening at age 45; if this is normal, patients should receive a colonoscopy every 10 years. However, patients with certain medical conditions (such as inflammatory bowel disease), family history of colon cancer, prior history of polyps or certain hereditary syndromes (such as FAP or lynch syndrome) should receive them more frequently.
All individuals 45 and older who has never had a colonoscopy should talk to their doctor today about getting one. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
About Deepa Reddy, MD
Dr. Deepa Reddy is a gastroenterologist with WakeMed Physician Practices – Gastroenterology. Her clinical interests are in women’s GI issues, inflammatory bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease and motility disorders. Request an appointment with one of our gastroenterologists.
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