March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and Primary Care Partners encourages our patients to stay in the know and talk to their provider about their risks for colorectal cancer this month and year round. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States. The American Cancer Society estimates that over 150,000 Americans will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2024.
When should I get screened?
Today, it’s recommended that more patients begin screening for colon cancer starting at age 45. If you are under the age of 45 or have a family history of colon cancer, it’s important to talk to your Primary Care Partners provider about your options for early detection and prevention.
What are the risk factors?
Lifestyle – It’s important to maintain a healthy weight to help mitigate your cancer risk. If you are overweight or obese, talk to your healthcare provider about what you can do to make a healthy lifestyle change. Regular moderate to vigorous physical activity can also help lower your risk. Avoid a diet that is high in red and processed meats and make sure you are following a healthy eating pattern that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Stop Smoking– Smoking is a well-known cause of lung cancer but is linked to many other cancers, too, including colorectal cancer. If you’d like to learn more about quitting smoking, talk with your healthcare provider or see the American Cancer Society’s Guide to Quitting Smoking.
Alcohol Use – Alcohol consumption is linked to many cancers, including colon cancer. It’s best to avoid alcohol altogether, but if you do choose to drink, limit your consumption to no more than 2 drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women.
Race – Your racial and ethnic background can also make a difference – rates of colorectal cancer are higher among African Americans compared to other races. This may be because fewer African Americans get screened for colon cancer.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions – If you have a personal history of colorectal polyps or colorectal cancer, you have an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer, even if the cancer was removed. The chances of this happening are greater if you had your first colorectal cancer diagnosis at a younger age.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, your risk is increased. If you have IBD, you may need to to start your screening for colon cancer when you’re younger, and be screened more frequently. IBD is different than IBS, which does not appear to increase your risk for colorectal cancer.
Family History – People with a close relative (parent, sibling, or child) who has had colorectal cancer are at an increased risk. If you have a family history of colorectal cancer, talk with your doctor about the possible need to start screening before age 45.
Colorectal cancer symptoms
Colorectal cancer doesn’t always present symptoms, which is why it is so important to get screened regularly starting at age 45. If you do have symptoms, they may include:
- A change in bowel habits
- Blood on or in your stool (bowel movement)
- Diarrhea, constipation, or feeling that the bowel does not empty all the way.
- Abdominal pain, aches, or cramps that don’t go away.
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, talk to your PCP healthcare provider. These symptoms could be caused by something other than cancer, the only way to know what is causing them is to see your doctor.
What can I do to reduce my risk?
The most effective way to reduce your risk of colorectal cancer is making healthy lifestyle choices such as eating a diet low in animal fats and high in fruits, veggies, and whole grains. Maintaining regular physical activity, limiting alcohol and tobacco consumption, keeping a healthy weight and keeping up on routine screening starting at age 45 can all help to reduce your risk.
Screening Options
Colorectal cancer usually develops from precancerous polyps (abnormal growths) in the colon or rectum. Screening tests can find precancerous polyps, so that they can be removed before they turn into cancer. Screening tests can also find colorectal cancer early when treatment works best.
Previously, one of the only ways to screen for colon cancer was a colonoscopy. Now, new advancements in medical technology make it possible to screen more often and more easily at home, using a Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) or a FIT-DNA (Cologuard) test. FIT doesn’t replace a colonoscopy, but can be used as an important tool for regular monitoring for people with low to moderate risk for colorectal cancer.
About FIT and FIT-DNA (Cologuard) tests
The FIT Test
- Recommend frequency of 1 year for average-risk individuals who have not previously had a positive or abnormal screening
- Works by detecting blood in the stool
- Non-invasive
- Easy and convenient – collection kit is shipped directly to your home, sample collection is done in the privacy of your own home, and no prep is needed – no change to your diet or medications
FIT-DNA (Cologuard)
- Recommended frequency of 3 years for average-risk individuals who have not previously had a positive or abnormal screening
- Works by combining the FIT Test that detects altered DNA in the stool
- Non-invasive
- Easy and convenient – collection kit is shipped directly to your home, sample collection is done in the privacy of your own home, and no prep is needed – no change to your diet or medications
- Learn more about Cologuard and how it works here.
To learn more about your risks and screening options when it comes to colorectal cancer, including the FIT and FIT-DNA screening options, talk to your Primary Care Partners provider today.
Resources:
The American Cancer Society – www.cancer.org/cancer/types/colon-rectal-cancer
