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Colonoscopy is Elective but Essential: Schedule Today

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Many hospitals and healthcare facilities are delaying elective surgeries and procedures, but it’s important to remember that your screening colonoscopy may be essential for good health.

COVID-19 Delays Elective Procedures

Did your colonoscopy get delayed because of the pandemic? With the resurgence of COVID-19, many hospitals are reallocating resources and delaying elective procedures like colonoscopy.

The term “elective” does not refer to the importance of the procedure. Instead, it simply distinguishes between surgeries that are for emergencies and those you can schedule in advance.

For example, knee replacements and non-emergency hernia repairs are considered elective because they could be scheduled for a future date. Screening colonoscopies are also considered elective. However, just because a procedure is labeled elective, doesn’t mean you should elect not to have it. You should schedule it when you can.

Colonoscopy Is Essential Preventive Care

Screening colonoscopy may be essential for your health because it can allow for early detection and removal of potentially cancerous polyps. According to the new guidelines of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, adults who are at average risk for colon cancer should begin screening at age 45.

Young-onset colon cancer is on the rise in the United States, and younger people tend to have more aggressive tumors that may be more difficult to treat. Having your regular colonoscopy at recommended intervals helps ensure that your doctor can detect and treat any developing polyps before they become cancerous.

Consider an Ambulatory Surgery Center for Colonoscopy

Even though hospitals have delayed colonoscopies and other procedures and surgeries, you may have another option. Scheduling your colonoscopy at an ambulatory surgery center (ASC) may be a good choice for several reasons:

  • Outpatient surgery centers are dedicated to specific procedures, not emergency or trauma, so your procedure may be less likely to be affected.
  • ASCs are smaller than hospitals and have convenient parking.
  • Your procedure may be less expensive at an ASC.
  • Many patients say that ASCs feel comfortable and more like home.

Schedule Your Colonoscopy Before Your Deductible Resets

Have you met your deductible already? Schedule your colonoscopy before the end of the calendar year to take full advantage of your health plan’s benefits. Your deductible will reset in January, so contact your insurance company to verify your status.

Find a Gastroenterologist in Your Area

Our fellowship-trained gastroenterologists perform colonoscopy screenings at ambulatory surgery centers around the country. Click here to enter your zip code and locate a GI specialist near you. Then, put a colonoscopy on the top of your list to complete by the year’s end.

Take our short quiz to see if you are eligible for a free or low-cost colonoscopy.

Colon Cancer Mortality Doubles if You Skip Your Colonoscopy

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For decades, colonoscopy has been the gold standard for colon cancer prevention. There are many screening methods, but they are not equally effective in detecting and preventing colon cancer. Although it is more invasive, colonoscopy includes a complete examination of the colon, and your doctor can remove precancerous polyps before they can develop into cancer.

Other types of tests like fecal immunochemical tests or fecal occult blood tests are less invasive and require no preparation, but they only detect blood in the stool. They cannot diagnose polyps or tumors, and they cannot prevent colon cancer development.

New Study Confirms Colonoscopy Lowers Colon Cancer Mortality

A new study published in Gut BMJ confirms the importance of choosing a colonoscopy. You are twice as likely to develop deadly colon cancer if you have a positive stool test and decide to skip your follow-up colonoscopy.

Manuel Zorzi, MD, MSc, from the Veneto Tumor Registry, Azienda Zero, Padova, Italy, and colleagues conducted a study on patients aged 50 to 69 who took a fecal immunological-based colon cancer test (FIT). When comparing the incidence and mortality among patients who tested positive on their FIT, Zorzi found the ten-year cumulative mortality for colon cancer was 6.8 per 1,000 for patients who completed a diagnostic colonoscopy and 16 per 1,000 for patients who did not.

“The excess risk of [colon cancer] death among those not completing colonoscopy after a positive fecal occult blood test should prompt screening programs to adopt effective interventions to increase compliance in this high-risk population,” said Zorzi.

Choose the Best Colon Cancer Screening for Your Health

Colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in the United States. It is time to take the disease seriously. The American Cancer Society changed its recommendation for baseline colon cancer screenings from 50 to 45 for all adults at average risk for colon cancer, so you may be due for a screening.

Minimally-invasive tests like FIT can help detect blood in the stool. However, you must schedule a diagnostic colonoscopy if the test is positive for blood. Not following through with a colonoscopy puts you at risk for colon cancer.

Colonoscopy is the best screening test available. It does require bowel preparation (a solution you drink to cleanse the colon prior to the procedure), but the low-volume colon prep is much more palatable than it used to be. Depending on your test results, you may only have to repeat a colonoscopy every 10 years.

Colon Cancer Prevention Begins With an Expert GI Doctor

Are you ready to schedule a colonoscopy or colon cancer screening? We can help. Our fellowship-trained gastroenterologists are accepting new patients. Click here to find a gastroenterologist in your area.

Colon Cancer Screening Is Critical for African Americans

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No one looks forward to colon cancer screenings, but they are an essential part of preventive care. Colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in the United States, but regular screenings can detect cancer in the early stages and even prevent the disease.

What Is Colon Cancer?

Colon cancer is a growth that begins in the colon, also known as the large intestine. Most colon cancers start as polyps, tiny growths that form on the inner lining of the colon. Fortunately, both colon cancer and precancerous polyps can be detected and removed by a GI doctor during a colonoscopy.

African Americans Are at Increased Risk of Colon Cancer

According to the American Cancer Society, colon cancer rates are higher among African Americans than any other racial and ethnic group in the United States. Compared to other groups, African Americans are 20 percent more likely to develop colon cancer and 40 percent more likely to die from the disease. Studies also show African Americans are at higher risk of developing polyps on the right side of the colon, which are often more challenging to detect.

Common Barriers to Colon Cancer Screenings

Research sheds light on barriers that may prevent people from getting screened. Fear of discomfort, cost, and lack of time are among the top reasons African American individuals have reported for delaying colonoscopy or avoiding the procedure altogether. Here’s a look at each of these reasons, along with an explanation of why they shouldn’t stop you from having this potentially life-saving screening.

I Am Worried a Colonoscopy Will Be Uncomfortable

Patients are sedated during colonoscopy, and the entire procedure can take less than an hour, so you won’t have to worry about discomfort. Colonoscopy allows a gastroenterologist to examine the entire colon and remove precancerous polyps before they develop into cancer. Among all colon cancer screening methods, colonoscopy is the most effective test for both detecting and preventing cancer.

I’m Concerned a Colonoscopy Will Be Too Expensive

If you haven’t been screened before, you may believe that getting tested is very expensive. However, due to the Affordable Care Act, most screening colonoscopies are free and don’t include a deductible or out-of-pocket payment. We recommend you talk with your doctor’s office about colonoscopy coverage since there are some requirements such as age, prior history of polyps, etc. You also have the right to choose where you want to have your colonoscopy, and StopColonCancer.org can help you find a location nearby.

I Can’t Spare the Time It Takes for a Colonoscopy

Putting off your screening may increase your risk for colon cancer. Young-onset colon cancer is on the rise, especially in the Black community. It may seem like work, family and life’s demands are more critical, but nothing is more essential than your health.

The Importance of Colon Cancer Screening

All adults at average risk for colon cancer should get a baseline screening at age 45, but individuals with a family history of colon cancer should get screened earlier. It is also important that patients who develop symptoms that may be due to colon cancer (e.g., altered bowel habits, rectal bleeding or abdominal pain) seek medical attention, regardless of age.

Locate a Gastroenterologist Near You

Have you been putting off getting screened because of the cost, your schedule or general uncertainty? A colon cancer screening is one of the most important  gifts you can give your family. Your loved ones want you to be healthy and cancer-free, so make an appointment today.

We can help you find a fellowship-trained gastroenterologist in your area. Click here to find a list of our GI centers nationwide.

Hispanics Are Less Likely to Get Screened for Colon Cancer

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Colon cancer screening rates are significantly lower among Hispanic Americans than non-Hispanic whites among adults over 50, putting Hispanics at increased risk for advanced-stage colon cancer.

What Is Colon Cancer?

Colon cancer is a growth that begins in the colon, also known as the large intestine. Most colon cancers start as a polyp, a tiny growth that forms in the colon’s inner lining.

Hispanics and Colon Cancer Statistics

According to the National Colon Cancer Roundtable, one in two Hispanic adults between 50 and 75 years of age are not getting tested as recommended. Because of lower screening rates, colon cancer causes about 11 percent of cancer deaths among Hispanic males and nine percent of Hispanic females.

Common Myths about Colon Cancer and Colonoscopies

There are many myths surrounding colon cancer and colon cancer screening. Often, these myths prevent people from getting screened. Here are some common misconceptions and concerns about colon cancer and colon cancer screening, along with facts about the disease and this life-saving procedure:

Myth Truth
“I don’t need to go to the doctor because I feel fine
and don’t have symptoms of colon cancer.”		 Colon cancer usually does not cause symptoms in the early stages.
“Colonoscopies take too much time. I will miss work, and I can’t afford that.” You will only need to miss one day of work for a colonoscopy. There are also other options for colon cancer screening that do not require you to miss any work.
“A colonoscopy is too expensive.” Insurance covers colonoscopy screenings. There are many ways to get a low-cost or free colonoscopy.
“A colonoscopy is dangerous.” The risk of injury during a colonoscopy is low. Not getting screened at all puts you at high risk for a deadly disease.
“Doctors just want money. They don’t care about my health.” GI physicians are focused on saving lives. Your doctor will want you to feel comfortable and confident about your upcoming procedure, so write down your questions and concerns about colon cancer screening and discuss them with your doctor.
“It’s embarrassing to get a colonoscopy.” GI physicians and their teams are accustomed to performing colonoscopies all the time, so there’s no need to be embarrassed! A colonoscopy is the best way to prevent colon cancer, and if you get a clean bill of health, you may only have to repeat the test every 10 years.
“I don’t understand the procedure. I don’t feel like I’m in control.” Ask your provider for information, like pamphlets or websites, to help you understand more about the procedure.

Importance of Quality Colon Cancer Screening

The best way to prevent colon cancer is to get screened. The American Cancer Society suggests that all adults at average risk for colon cancer begin screening at age 45. There are two basic screening methods:

  1. Colonoscopy—A colonoscopy is the most effective screening test to prevent and detect colon cancer. This screening uses a narrow, lighted tube with a camera to view your colon and rectum. You will be asleep during the procedure. Your doctor can remove colon polyps during the exam, and this can help prevent you from getting colon cancer. If your test result is normal, you will likely not need another colonoscopy for ten years.
  2. Stool test—You can perform a stool test, such as the fecal immunochemical test (FIT), at home. A stool test may detect small amounts of blood that you cannot see. Blood in the stool can sometimes indicate colon cancer. You can receive a kit that allows you to collect a small amount of stool and send it to a lab to test it for hidden blood. If your test is positive, you will have to get a colonoscopy. Depending on the results, you may have to repeat the stool test every year.

Colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer-related death among Hispanic men and women in the US. It doesn’t have to be! Regular screening starting at age 45 can often help prevent cancer or find it early when it’s small and easier to treat.

Are you due for a colon cancer screening but don’t know where to begin? Click here to locate a fellowship-trained gastroenterologist in your area. Our doctors and nurses are kind and compassionate, and they will patiently answer your questions about colon cancer screening.

Your family loves you and wants you to live a long, healthy life. Good health begins with a colon cancer screening. Call today to make an appointment.

Colorectal Cancer Screenings Now Recommended at Age 45

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Undergoing colorectal cancer (CRC) screenings starting at age 45 could be a new lease on life for millions of people in the United States.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) on May 18 released its final recommendation to lower the colorectal screening age from 50 to 45, providing an opportunity for earlier detection and prevention of the disease. The USPSTF is an independent, volunteer panel of national experts in disease prevention and evidence-based medicine.

“The incidence of colorectal cancer in 45-year-olds is the same as it was in 50-year-olds when the screening benefit for age 50 was implemented,” said John Popp Jr., MD, Medical Director for AMSURG. “Dropping the age to 45 may get those 50 and older screened earlier. We have found in our AMSURG data that the average age for initial screening is about 58.”

Increase in Cases

Colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States. The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates 104,270 new cases of colon cancer and 45,230 new cases of rectal cancer will be diagnosed this year.

The number of colorectal cancer cases have been increasing since the mid-1980s in adults ages 20-39 and since the mid-1990s in adults ages 40-54, according to the ACS.

“In 2020, about 12% of all cases of CRC occurred in the under 50 year old population. Furthermore, patients diagnosed prior to age 50 were more likely to have advanced disease at diagnosis,” Popp noted.

The task force also recommends people ages 45 to 75 should undergo screenings, while individuals ages 76 to 85 should be screened based on the patient’s situation.

According to the USPSTF, “These recommendations apply to adults without symptoms and who do not have a personal history of colorectal polyps or a personal or family health history of genetic disorders that increase the risk of colorectal cancer.”

Screenings

Colorectal cancer is highly treatable when diagnosed in the early stages. For screenings, the task force recommends direct visualization tests (colonoscopy) and stool-based tests.

Individuals with any abnormal stool-based test result must follow up with a colonoscopy to see whether they have cancer or polyps which might become cancer.

Colorectal cancer is preventable through routine colonoscopy, the gold standard for colon screenings.

“The best screening test is the one that gets done, but colonoscopy is the only test that can prevent CRC by removing premalignant polyps,” Popp said.

The Affordable Care Act of 2010 requires both private insurers and Medicare to cover the costs of colorectal cancer screening tests because these tests are recommended by the USPSTF. To avoid any confusion, contact your health insurance agent or employer’s human resources department.

Early Diagnosis

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. The disease is expected to cause about 52,980 deaths this year, according to the ACS.

Avoiding delays in diagnosis is important, Popp said, noting that there could be 40 percent fewer deaths if the stage at diagnosis could shift from stage 4 to stage 3.

An increase in screenings and improved treatments through the years has led to more than 1.5 million survivors of colorectal cancer in the United States, according to the ACS.

Individuals beginning screenings at age 45 will help doctors to diagnose more cases earlier and possibly prevent colorectal cancer in many patients.

AMSURG, a division of Envision Healthcare, is the national leader in providing colonoscopy. If you are age 45 or older, connect with a board-certified gastroenterologist at one of our screening centers.

More

AMSURG and Mount Sinai Health System Release New Research on Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer

AMSURG Reminds Americans to Seek Care in Fight Against Colorectal Cancer

Family History of Colon Cancer? Get Screened Early

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Does colon cancer run in your family? If so, you could be eligible for a free or low-cost screening colonoscopy before the age of 50.

Adults who are at average risk for colon cancer should get a baseline colonoscopy at 50 years of age, but if you have a family history of colon cancer or polyps, you should be screened earlier.  A family history of colon cancer is defined as having a first degree relative (mother, father, sister or brother) with colon cancer, precancerous polyps or cancerous polyps.

How do I find out if I am eligible for a free or low-cost screening colonoscopy?

If you meet these criteria, there are specific steps that you should take so that you can be eligible for a free or low-cost screening colonoscopy before the age of 50.

  1. Find out what age your first-degree relative was diagnosed with colon cancer or polyps.
  2. Talk to your primary care physician and say, “My __________ (mother, father, sister or brother) was diagnosed with colon cancer/polyps at the age of ___.  I need to have ‘family history of colon cancer and/or polyps’ added into my medical records.” The records should include the family member(s) and the age(s).
  3. Call your insurance provider and convey the same information. Ask the representative to notate this information in your records.
  4. Ask your insurance provider if you have colonoscopy screening benefits in your policy. This benefit may vary among policies even within the same provider. Not all private insurance has colonoscopy screening benefits, and it is up to you to find out before you schedule your colonoscopy.
  5. Ask your insurance provider, “At what age am I eligible for screening benefits?” Some policies may allow you a screening colonoscopy at the same age as your first-degree relative was diagnosed with colon cancer or polyps, and some policies may allow you to have a screening performed earlier.
  6. Ask your insurance provider, “How much it will cost if the gastroenterologist finds a polyp in during my colonoscopy?” Polyp removal and biopsy often do not fall under “screening” so they may be filed under “medical.”  This would affect your financial responsibility, althought pathology (tests on the polyp(s) removed) is usually not exceptaionally expensive and is a small price to pay for preventing cancer!  Also important, ask whether the colonoscopy would change from a screening colonoscopy to a diagnostic colonoscopy if a polyp is discovered and how that may affect your payment.

When your doctor and insurance provider are aware of your family history and you are aware of your benefits, you can now safely schedule your colonoscopy.

How much will my colonoscopy cost me?

When there is a family history of colon cancer or polyps, some insurance providers pay 100 percent of colonoscopy screenings. Others may pay 80 percent or 90 percent, so be aware of your portion of the cost-share. Remember that all coverage and cost-sharing questions are policy-specific and only your health care provider can answer these questions for you. As tempting as it is to ask a friend, “How much was your colonoscopy?” remember that your benefits are specific to your plan.

Having a family history of colon cancer may be enough to qualify you for a free or low-cost colonoscopy under your health plan. It is essential that you initiate the process by asking the right questions and having proper documentation in your medical records and health plan records. Talk to your doctor and insurance provider so you can have a colonoscopy screening when the time is right for you. Most colon cancer is very treatable when found in the early stages, and early screening means prevention, early detection and early treatment!

Prioritize Your Colon Health for the Sake of Your Family

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We all have loved ones who need us in their lives – those who rely on us and can’t wait until we can all safely gather together again once the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided. You owe it to your family to take care of your health.

Colonoscopies and Colon Cancer Prevention

Colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in the United States, but it is mostly preventable with regular colonoscopies. A screening colonoscopy is a necessary form of preventive care because it can detect and prevent colon cancer. According to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, removing cancer-causing polyps during a colonoscopy can lower the risk of death from colorectal cancer by 53 percent.

Even though research proves colonoscopies save lives, millions of Americans are not getting screened at proper intervals. As a result of COVID-19, colorectal screenings dropped significantly in 2020, with an 86 percent decline compared to averages before February 2020. This screening disruption translates to more undiagnosed cases of colorectal cancer for longer periods. Up to 10,000 more deaths are projected over the next decade as a consequence of postponed screenings.

Most cases of colon cancer are preventable with routine screening colonoscopies. There are misconceptions around this quick, painless procedure, and unfortunately, that causes many people to avoid getting screened. A few common myths are:

  • Colonoscopies are painful
  • Colon screenings take too much time
  • Colonoscopy prep is unbearable
  • Colonoscopies are too expensive

Here’s the reality:

  • Colonoscopies are relatively painless
  • The procedure itself lasts only around a half-hour, and you’ll likely only need to take one day off of work for the entire screening process
  • Bowel prep has improved tremendously over the years
  • Insurance covers many screening procedures

After clearing up those misconceptions, having a life-saving colonoscopy doesn’t sound that bad, does it?

Colon Cancer Screening Guidelines

The American Cancer Society suggests all adults who are at average risk for colon cancer have an initial colon cancer screening at 45 years of age. Specific individuals are at higher risk for colon cancer due to family history, so talk to your GI doctor about when to begin screening.

Let us Help You Find a GI Specialist

Have you delayed or canceled your screening colonoscopy? Your loved ones want you to be around for many years to come, so it’s crucial to reschedule the procedure you may have delayed.

You are not the only one who cares about your health. Your family and friends want the best for you.  Give those who love you peace of mind by scheduling a screening colonoscopy today. Use our physician locator tool to find a fellowship-trained gastroenterologist in your area.

Find a Gastroenterologist Near Me

Seek Care in Fighting Colorectal Cancer

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Colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in the United States, but most cases are preventable with routine colonoscopies. According to AMSURG, a leading national healthcare group, more than 200,000 colonoscopies were missed in 2020. Therefore, it is essential to schedule a colon cancer screening for early detection and treatment.

March is Colorectal Cancer (CRC) Awareness Month, a time to learn how to prevent and detect colorectal cancer. Anyone can develop colon cancer, regardless of age, gender or fitness level.

Begin Colon Cancer Screenings at Age 45

AMSURG, a leading national medical group with the most extensive and comprehensive tracking system of colon cancer screenings in the nation, encourages individuals who are at average risk to begin routine screenings at age 45 and not to delay essential screenings because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

When detected early, CRC can be easier to treat, and patients often have better outcomes. The American Cancer Society estimates that nearly 150,000 people will be diagnosed with CRC in 2021. Although the rate of people being diagnosed with CRC has dropped in recent years, the incidence among young adults is increasing. According to AMSURG data, pre-cancerous polyps have been found in one out of every four patients who have undergone a colonoscopy since 2019.

Every Month Counts with Colon Cancer

“Every year, every month counts with CRC,” said Brenda Thompson Green, AMSURG employee. “Four years ago, I was diagnosed with colon cancer at the age of 46. Had I been encouraged to get screened a year earlier, there’s the potential that I could have had a much more positive outcome and not required such intense treatment. I am alive today because I listened to my body, sought the appropriate care and received a screening colonoscopy at the suggestion of my physician. Until the screening age is more broadly accepted, I cannot stress how important it is for people to know their family history, understand the symptoms and not delay care.”

What is a Colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is a comprehensive procedure in which physicians can detect and remove polyps before they become cancerous. Colonoscopies are instrumental in helping people maintain their health and quality of life.

CRC does not disappear during a pandemic. In 2021, AMSURG revealed that more than 200,000 patients missed their colonoscopies, and based on statistical expectations, approximately 900 of these people would have CRC.

It is essential to be aware of the symptoms of colon cancer: a persistent change in your bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation or a change in the consistency of your stool, rectal bleeding or blood in your stool, persistent abdominal discomfort like cramps, gas or pain, or a feeling that your bowel doesn’t empty completely.

Schedule Your Colonoscopy at an AMSURG GI Center

The best decision you can make this month is to educate yourself and your family about the importance of a quality colonoscopy. With 255 surgery centers in 34 states, we are ready to serve you with compassionate, quality care.

“At our centers, we provide patients essential care and support the health of communities – even during a pandemic,” said John Popp, MD, Medical Director for AMSURG. “We continue to adhere to rigorous quality and safety measures to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 exposure.”

Click here to find a fellowship-trained gastroenterologist in your area.

Diet Plays a Major Role in Early-Onset Colon Cancer Risk

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A new study found a poor diet is associated with an increased risk for aggressive-growing, early age-onset tumors in the lower colon and rectum.

Diet and Colorectal Cancer

According to a recent study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, there is a strong link between diet and early age-onset colorectal cancer, defined as cancer in individuals under age 50. The research team, led by Yin Cao, MPH, ScD, researcher in the division of public health and sciences in the surgery department of Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri, examined the effect of two types of diets on early age-onset colon cancer risk: the Western Pattern Diet and the prudent diet.

What is the Western Diet?

The Western diet is “a modern-day style diet that mostly contains high amounts of processed foods, red meat, high-fat dairy products, high-sugar foods and pre-packaged foods, that increase the risk of chronic illness.”

The prudent diet focuses on fresh fruit, vegetables, grilled fish and salads.

Using data from the Nurses’ Health Study II, Cao and his team discovered eating a Western Pattern Diet (WPD), or Standard American Diet (SAD), increased the likelihood for high-risk distal adenomas (colon tumors found in the splenic flexure, descending colon, sigmoid colon) and rectal adenomas by a factor of 1.67. High-risk adenomas appeared most often in the distal colon and rectum, and they tended to be more aggressive and challenging to treat.

A Healthy Diet Can Decrease Colorectal Cancer Risk

The research team found the prudent diet and three other diets called the DASH diet, AMED diet and Alternate Healthy Eating Index (AHEI-2010) diet were associated with a lower risk for early age-onset colorectal cancer.

DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) Diet

The DASH diet reduces sodium intake and encourages various foods rich in nutrients such as potassium, calcium and magnesium that help lower blood pressure. The DASH diet is also low in total fat, saturated fat and trans fat.

The DASH diet encourages lots of whole fruits and vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy. It also includes some poultry, fish and legumes as well as a small amount of nuts and seeds a few times per week. The DASH diet allows for red meat, fats and sweets on special occasions.

For a 2,000 calorie-per-day DASH diet, these are the recommended servings for each food group:

  • 4-5 servings of fruit
  • 4-5 servings of vegetables
  • 6-8 servings of whole grains
  • 2-3 servings of low-fat or fat-free dairy
  • 6 one-ounce servings or fewer per day of lean meat, poultry or fish
  • 2-3 servings of fats or oils

Alternate Mediterranean Diet (aMED)

The Mediterranean diet encourages high intakes of fruit, vegetables, fish, and whole grains; a moderate intake of alcohol and dairy products; and low intakes of red or processed meats and sweets.

The aMED diet is a slight derivative of the Mediterranean diet that includes nine components (total vegetables excluding potatoes, total fruit, nuts, legumes, fish, whole grains, monounsaturated fatty acids to saturated fatty acid ratio, alcohol, and red and processed meat). The aMED diet highlights eating behaviors that are consistently associated with a lower risk of chronic diseases, including colorectal cancer.

Alternate Healthy Eating Index (AHEI-2010)

The AHEI-2010 includes 11 components that should be consumed in high, moderate or low amounts.

These foods should be consumed in high amounts:

  • vegetables
  • fruit
  • whole grains
  • nuts
  • legumes
  • long-chain omega-3 fatty acids

These foods should be consumed in low amounts or avoided:

  • red and processed meat
  • trans fat
  • sodium
  • sugar-sweetened drinks and fruit juice

This food should be consumed in moderate amounts:

  • alcohol

Schedule a Colonoscopy

A healthy diet is important in colon cancer prevention, but a colon cancer screening is just as essential. A colonoscopy is the best way to protect you from colon cancer. Talk to your doctor about when it is time to get your first colonoscopy.

Click here to locate a fellowship-trained gastroenterologist in your area and schedule a consultation.

New Research Suggests Statins Can Lower Colon Cancer Risk

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Using statins can significantly reduce colorectal cancer risk, especially for patients who have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

What are Statins?

Statins are a group of drugs that reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) production in the liver, lowering blood cholesterol levels. LDL is the “bad” cholesterol that can increase the risk for a heart attack or stroke. More than 35 million Americans take statins, making them one of the most commonly prescribed drugs in the United States.

Patients with IBD Experience Best Results with Statins

Kevin N. Singh, M.D., from NYU Langone Medical Center, presented an analysis on statin use and colon cancer risk at ACG Virtual, the American College of Gastroenterology’s annual scientific meeting.

Dr. Singh and a group of colleagues reviewed 52 studies, including randomized clinical trials, case-control studies and cohort studies that included more than 11 million patients. The analysis revealed statin use among the general population lowered colon cancer risk by 20 percent. Statin use among IBD patients decreased the colorectal cancer risk by 60 percent.

Research must continue in this subject, and Dr. Singh’s analysis only prompts further studies. Previous research found aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can help lower colorectal cancer risk, but they have side effects such as increased bleeding risk.

Statins could be a viable option for colon cancer prevention because most patients can tolerate statins and are generally considered safe. However, regardless of whether they have IBD, all patients should talk to their doctor to determine whether statins are appropriate for their health. Dr. Singh said the colon cancer risk reduction of statins could even be higher than previously reported, so he plans to conduct more research (American College of Gastroenterology).

Colonoscopy Screenings Prevent Colorectal Cancer

The best way to prevent colon cancer is by scheduling a colonoscopy or a different colon cancer screening method. A colonoscopy offers the best protection against colon cancer because a doctor can remove a precancerous polyp before it develops into cancer. No other colon screening provides the same protective benefits.

When should you begin colon cancer screenings? Talk to your doctor. The American Cancer Society recommends all adults at average risk for colon cancer begin screening at age 45. If you have a family history of the disease, you may need to get screened earlier.

Colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in the United States, but most cases are preventable with routine colonoscopies. Click here to find a fellowship-trained gastroenterologist in your area and schedule your colon cancer screening.