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Resolve to Limit or Avoid Alcohol to Prevent Colon Cancer

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New Year’s resolutions are often short-lived, but resolving to limit or avoid alcohol can help prevent colon cancer, a leading cause of death in the United States.

Americans Have a Low Awareness That Drinking Can Cause Cancer

Saving money, losing weight and drinking less are among the most common New Year’s resolutions. According to a Pew Research study, about 62 percent of Americans drink alcohol and 19 percent say they sometimes drink more than they think they should.

Even though extensive research shows that beer, wine and spirits can cause cancer, many adults are unaware of this risk and erroneously think alcohol has health benefits.

How Alcohol Damages the Body

A new study published in the American Association for Cancer Research found that 40 percent of all new cases of cancer are linked to “modifiable risk factors,” and alcohol consumption is one of the main factors. Consuming alcohol causes approximately four percent of cancers worldwide.

More specifically, alcohol increases your risk of developing common cancers such as those occurring in the breast, liver, esophagus, head and neck, and colon. Research also suggests alcohol could be a contributor to pancreatic and prostate cancer as well as melanoma.

Alcohol seems to affect men more than women when it comes to colon cancer, but research shows drinking affects both sexes.

Besides increasing cancer risk, other harmful effects of alcohol include the following:

  • Permanently damaging the body’s DNA — When alcohol-damaged cells divide, they create more cells with altered DNA.
  • Preventing proper absorption of vitamins and minerals — Low nutrient levels, particularly folate, can contribute to colorectal and breast cancer risk.
  • Promoting chronic inflammation — Experts agree drinking creates inflammation, which can cause hepatitis and cirrhosis in the liver.
  • Altering hormone production and release — Drinking can increase levels of estrogen, which can increase cancer risk.
  • Weight gain — Excess calories from alcohol can contribute to obesity, which increases the likelihood of several cancers.

Colon Cancer Incidence Is Increasing Among Young Adults

One of the growing concerns in the medical community is that cancer incidence is increasing among adults younger than age 50. Rates of young-onset colon cancer have increased by almost two percent annually between 2011 and 2019. By 2030, researchers estimate 27,000 adults younger than 50 will develop young-onset colon cancer.

Although no one knows for sure, studies suggest heavy drinking and frequent alcohol use in early and mid-adulthood increase the likelihood of developing colon or rectal cancer in later life. However, even mild alcohol consumption can increase the risk for other cancers like breast cancer.

Make a Plan to Set Healthy Alcohol Limits

Every January, millions of Americans say they will limit their alcohol intake, but few people follow through with this goal. It’s not enough to say you want to stop or limit drinking; you must have a plan for success.

Here are some tips to get you started as you create healthy habits.

Find Alternatives to Alcohol

You will be more successful if you can satisfy your alcohol craving with a different beverage like non-alcoholic beer, mocktails or sparkling water. Having an alternative will make it easier for you to say “no” to beer, cocktails or wine because you have a substitute available to you.

Set Clear Goals

There is a reason why we write out resolutions. We are more likely to meet a goal if we put it in writing. You may want to avoid alcohol completely, or perhaps you want to limit yourself to one glass of wine on a weekend.

Keep the End in Mind

You might feel inclined to indulge in a drink at a social event, but often, one drink can result in several more. Remind yourself that staying healthy and cancer-free is your main priority. Your overall health is worth the sacrifice.

Ask for Support from Your Family and Community

Following through with resolutions and plans is rarely easy, but it is achievable when family and friends can rally around you. A recent study found that social support played a significant role in young college students pursuing a goal.

Support groups and online communities can help you connect with people in similar situations. If you’re not sure where to begin, you can talk to your general practitioner.

Schedule a Colorectal Cancer Screening in 2025

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among men and women. Abnormal growths called polyps can form in the colon and rectum, and they can develop into cancer over time. The disease often doesn’t have symptoms in the early stages, so routine screening is the most effective way to diagnose and prevent it.

Although there are many types of screening tests, colonoscopy is the gold standard for colon cancer screening because it allows a gastroenterologist to view the colon and remove precancerous polyps. Other tests using stool or blood are not diagnostic tests. If you get a positive result from any other screening, you will need a follow-up colonoscopy.

The American Cancer Society suggests all adults begin colon cancer screening at age 45. However, you should talk to your doctor about getting screened earlier if you …

  • have a family or personal history of colorectal cancer or colon polyps,
  • have an inherited colorectal syndrome, including familial adenomatous polyposis or Lynch syndrome, or
  • have inflammatory bowel disease.

Alcohol consumption can contribute to colon cancer risk, so discuss your drinking habits with your doctor. You may need support to stop drinking or limit your alcohol use.

Visit One of Our GI Centers for a Colorectal Cancer Screening

Approximately 68 percent of deaths from colon cancer might be prevented if all qualified adults underwent a screening colonoscopy as recommended.

If you are due for a colon cancer screening, contact one of our GI centers to schedule your appointment. Our physicians are fellowship-trained and located in 32 states and the District of Columbia. During your visit, you can discuss all your screening options and choose which test is the best for you.

Improving Your Sleep Quality Could Help Prevent Colon Cancer

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When the weather outside is frightful, there’s nothing cozier than a long winter nap. Getting adequate sleep is important for the body to function optimally, but good rest can especially benefit colon health.

A recent study found that adequate sleep duration and waking up easily in the morning can prevent colon cancer compared with deeper sleep and snoring.

Importance of Quality Sleep and Overall Health

When you sleep, your brain and body have time to rest, repair and rejuvenate for the next day. Duration and quality of sleep affect your hormones, metabolism, stress response, immune function and inflammation.

People who don’t get enough sleep show increased risk for heart disease, diabetes and several types of cancer. Good sleep supports a healthy immune system, and poor sleep weakens immunity. A weakened immune system reduces the body’s ability to remove abnormal cells that have the potential to develop into cancer.

Study on Sleep Duration and Ease of Waking

Researchers at The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China, analyzed how seven sleeping traits affected colorectal cancer (CRC) risk. These factors included the following:

  • Ease of getting up in the morning
  • Being a “morning person”
  • Sleep duration
  • Daytime napping
  • Daytime dozing
  • Insomnia symptoms
  • Snoring

The study used previously collected data on 337,000 patients between the ages of 40 and 69.

Ease of getting up in the morning and sleep duration proved to protect against colon cancer. Snoring, on the other hand, may increase the risk of cancer in the colon and rectum. The research team suggested consistent and healthy sleep patterns could help reduce the risk of colon and rectal disease.

“Future studies should further investigate the causal relationships between sleep traits and CRC across diverse populations and explore potential dose-response relationships,” the authors of the study stated.

Bedtime Habits to Get Better Sleep

Most Americans are not getting enough sleep at night. While adults need seven to eight hours of sleep, children and teens need more rest. Sometimes, thoughtful planning and intentional decision making can improve the quality and quantity of sleep. Creating specific habits can signal to your body that it’s time to rest.

  1. Turn off overhead lights and turn on lamps to create a darker atmosphere.
  2. Turn off the television and put away electronics one hour before bed.
  3. Avoid drinking alcohol or eating large meals before sleeping.
  4. Know how caffeine affects you and limit caffeinated beverages.
  5. Designate the last hour of each day as quiet time.
  6. Take a warm bath or shower before bed.
  7. Turn down the thermostat to keep your bedroom cooler at night.
  8. Use light-blocking curtains to make your bedroom dark.
  9. Read for a few minutes before you turn out the lights.
  10. As soon as you wake up in the morning, go outside for a few minutes to get natural light. Being outdoors early in the day will help reset your biological clock.

Addressing the Problem of Insomnia

We’ve all experienced a sleepless night now and then, but millions of people suffer from chronic sleep problems. Insomnia is a common sleep disorder in which a person may have “trouble falling asleep, staying asleep or getting good quality sleep.”

Poor sleep is a global problem. Worldwide studies suggest 10 to 30 percent of adults have insomnia, but it may be up to 50 to 60 percent in some populations. Insomnia tends to affect older adults, women and people with physical or mental health problems. Poor sleep can adversely affect work performance and interpersonal relationships and increase the risk for auto accidents.

People who experience chronic insomnia often cannot fix problems by themselves. Often, they need to consult a behavioral sleep specialist and schedule a sleep study.

Sleeping Too Long Could Increase Risk for CRC

Studies show that long sleep could also be detrimental to your colon health. Sleeping more than nine hours per night could increase your risk for colorectal cancer as well as lung cancer.

If you are sleeping nine hours or more at night, talk to your doctor. You may have an underlying condition like sleep apnea that makes you fatigued.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can also cause sleep disruptions. People with nighttime GERD often experience sleep fragmentation because multiple incidences of reflux disturb them at night. Although they might not recall being awake during the night, they could experience significant tiredness along with typical GERD symptoms such as a sore throat, persistent cough, hoarseness and frequent throat clearing.

Prioritize Screening for Colon Cancer

Colon cancer is one of the most common cancers, but it is also highly treatable in the initial stages. In fact, colorectal cancer is one of the few cancers that is preventable through screening.

Colorectal cancer screening is unique in that you have choices. You can choose a non-invasive test like stool and blood tests or CT colonography. These tests do not require sedation and they can help detect abnormalities.

Other screenings, flexible sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy, use a lighted tube to examine the colon lining.

Colonoscopy is the preferred diagnostic screening because it allows your doctor to view the entire colon and remove precancerous growths called polyps. No other screening method can offer cancer detection and prevention. If you get a positive result from any other test, you will need to have a follow-up colonoscopy.

Find a Fellowship-Trained Gastroenterologist

You can rest easier this winter when you schedule a screening for colorectal cancer. If you have never scheduled an appointment for a colonoscopy, we can help. Our GI centers employ fellowship-trained gastroenterologists located across the United States.

The American Cancer Society recommends that all adults at average risk for colon cancer begin screening at age 45, but you may need to get screened earlier if you have certain risk factors:

  • Family or personal history of colon cancer or polyps
  • Inflammatory bowel disease, including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease
  • Certain genetic syndromes like familial adenomatous polyposis or Lynch syndrome

Finally, if you have digestive symptoms, you should contact your doctor regardless of your age.

Call today to make an appointment. You can discuss your medical history and health conditions as well as problems relating to sleep habits and sleep deprivation. You may find that one appointment can improve your overall quality of life.

Healthier Holiday Meal Choices Can Reduce Colon Cancer Risk

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Do you look forward to Thanksgiving each year for the drumsticks, sides and desserts? Calorie-rich holiday foods tend to be high in fat and increase your risk for reflux and even colon cancer.

By swapping healthy ingredients for acidic, fatty and spicy foods, you can feast on nutritious dishes that won’t contribute to heartburn or colon polyps.

Does GERD Affect Your Holiday?

There’s nothing more delicious than turkey with gravy and stuffing surrounded by green bean casserole and candied sweet potatoes. You may not savor those flavors very long if you have gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. This is a chronic condition where the stomach’s contents back up into the esophagus.

GERD can feel like burning in your chest or a sour or bitter liquid in your mouth and throat. GERD Awareness Week takes place Nov. 17-23, the week before Thanksgiving Day.

Many of our favorite holiday dishes contain acidic, spicy or fatty ingredients that can aggravate the digestive system:

  • Citrus fruits
  • Cranberries
  • Coffee
  • Chocolate
  • Peppermint
  • Tomatoes
  • Butter and oil
  • Hot sauce or red pepper flakes

Lower the Fat Without Sacrificing the Fun

The traditional Thanksgiving meal contains copious amounts of butter, cream cheese, half and half and sour cream. People often make gravy out of the turkey fat drippings, and that seasoned turkey skin is so tasty!

Foods rich in fat, however, may require more time to digest and can impair the lower esophageal sphincter, which divides the stomach from the esophagus. Dietary fat intake can also affect the gut microbiome and increase the risk of colorectal cancer.

You can make some healthy swaps for high-fat ingredients:

  • Substitute a lean turkey breast for a whole turkey. Drumsticks and dark meat contain more fat.
  • Instead of mashed potatoes made with butter, sour cream and cream cheese, mash roasted cauliflower and season it with olive oil, salt and pepper.
  • Candied sweet potatoes are high in sugar and fat. Why not roast the sweet potatoes in the oven and sprinkle them with a pinch of brown sugar and cinnamon and a tiny square of butter?
  • Stuffing usually contains a good amount of butter and eggs. For a lighter option, find a recipe for quinoa salad. It’s high in protein, and you can season it with fresh herbs.

Spice Isn’t Always Nice When It Comes to GERD

Spicy, acidic or minty foods can irritate the esophagus, which can already be inflamed if you suffer from GERD. Inflammation can cause cancer, and chronic inflammation of the colon or esophagus can make you more prone to developing cancer.

Here are some substitutions you can make for spicy, acidic or minty foods this year:

  • If cranberries exacerbate your heartburn, you can substitute apple butter, applesauce or chutney.
  • Leave off the jalapeno peppers from the cornbread recipe.
  • Flavor your foods with herbs, which tend to be easier on the stomach than spices.
  • Omit spices like cinnamon, black pepper, cayenne pepper, Cajun seasoning, sriracha or chili powder if it irritates your stomach.
  • If you are planning to have shrimp for an appetizer, try making a homemade cocktail sauce that does not contain horseradish.
  • Instead of having desserts with peppermint or chocolate, consider desserts with fruit.

Temper Your Sweet Tooth with Fresh Fruit

Sugar can intensify GERD symptoms, and people who eat lots of sweets are more prone to the condition. Added sugar can also influence your colon cancer risk. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that participants who consumed sugar-sweetened drinks and added sugar were at higher risk to develop colon cancer in the proximal part of the colon and were more likely to die from the disease.

Here are some ways you can lower your sugar intake in your Thanksgiving meal:

  • Instead of serving soda, punch or apple cider, substitute fruit-infused water or decaffeinated, unsweetened tea.
  • Replace pies and cakes with fresh fruit, baked apples or yogurt parfaits.
  • Sweeten dishes with maple syrup or agave instead of table sugar.

Make a Resolution to Eat Healthier, and Begin with the Holidays

You don’t need to wait until January to alter your eating habits. Begin with Thanksgiving dinner. During the meal, you can consider important topics like portion control and moderation. After dinner, take a walk together and discuss your family health history as well as warning signs of GERD and colon cancer.

“Spending quality time with family and friends [is] integral to overall well-being and mental health. Starting these [healthier eating] habits during the holiday can lay the foundation for a healthier new year,” said Luis Rustveld, PhD, assistant professor of family and community medicine at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas.

Colon Cancer Screenings Can Prevent Cancer and Detect It Early

Healthy eating is only one component of colon cancer prevention. Regular testing for colorectal cancer is the best method for early detection and prevention of the disease.

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Because young-onset colon cancer is on the rise, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force lowered the recommended age for colon cancer screening to age 45.

Although there are several types of screenings, colonoscopy is the gold standard because it can prevent and detect colon cancer in one procedure. No other test has therapeutic and diagnostic capabilities.

A colonoscopy allows a gastroenterologist to view the entire colon and rectum to look for abnormalities called polyps. Most polyps are benign, but they can become cancerous over time. Only a colonoscopy allows your doctor to remove precancerous polyps during the procedure to ensure they will not develop into a malignancy.

Other screenings — like stool and blood tests, CT colonography and flexible sigmoidoscopy — can only detect the presence of cancer cells. Therefore, you would need a follow-up colonoscopy if you receive a positive test result.

Make an Appointment for a Colon Cancer Screening

The holiday season may be the busiest time of year, but your health should be your top priority. If you choose colonoscopy, you will only need to repeat the test every 10 years if you get a clean bill of health. It is important to call your insurance company or Medicare to verify your coverage before making your appointment. You may qualify for a free screening colonoscopy.

If you have never had a colon cancer screening, we can help. Our highly skilled gastroenterologists are available in 32 states and the District of Columbia. Call today to make an appointment at a GI center near you.

Aspirin May Help Prevent Colon Cancer in High-risk Patients

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A study in JAMA Oncology suggests taking aspirin may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer, especially for people who have more risk factors due to lifestyle choices.

Colon Cancer Is a Leading Cause of Cancer Death

Colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in the United States. The American Cancer Society estimates there will be 106,590 new cases of colon cancer and 46,220 new cases of rectal cancer this year.

Although genetics may influence your colorectal cancer risk, an unhealthy lifestyle causes more than half of colon cancer cases.

Daily Aspirin and Colon Cancer Risk

Scientists at Mass General Brigham conducted a study to assess how lifestyle choices might influence colon cancer risk factors associated with aspirin use. Using data from over 100,000 participants in the Nurse’s Health Study, the researchers compared results of patients who took aspirin regularly (at least two 325mg tablets per week or a daily dose of 81mg) to patients who did not take aspirin every week.

Taking aspirin regularly reduced the 10-year colon cancer incidence in all participants in the study, but the people who benefitted most were those who smoked, drank alcohol and had a higher body mass index.

Among those with the least healthy lifestyle, taking aspirin reduced the risk of colorectal cancer from 3.4 percent to 2.12 percent.

“Our results show that aspirin can proportionally lower the markedly elevated risk in those with multiple risk factors for colorectal cancer,” said Daniel Sikavi, MD, lead author of the paper and a gastroenterologist at MGH.

“In contrast, those with a healthier lifestyle have a lower baseline risk of colorectal cancer, and, therefore, their benefit from aspirin was still evident, albeit less pronounced.”

Dr. Sikavi admitted there were limitations in the study, including a lack of ethnic and racial diversity. The study sample was comprised of healthcare professionals who had a healthier lifestyle and self-reported on their aspirin use.

Previous Studies about Aspirin and Colon Cancer

This is not the first study about aspirin’s effect on colon cancer. Previous research (Medical Xpress) suggested aspirin could provide the following benefits:

  • Reduce prostaglandins, pro-inflammatory proteins that cause cancer to develop
  • Block communication pathways that allow cancer to spread quickly
  • Promote the immune response to cancer cells
  • Inhibit blood vessel growth that feeds cancer cells

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommended daily low-dose aspirin to prevent colon cancer and cardiac issues in adults 50-59 years of age. However, they retracted the recommendation in 2016 because of the possible risk of stomach bleeding.

While you may benefit from taking daily aspirin, you should make an appointment with your doctor before beginning any new medication.

Get Screened for Colon Cancer

Colon cancer is one of the only types of cancer that you can prevent through screening, but it continues to be a leading cause of death. Colonoscopy is the gold standard for colon cancer screening because it can detect and prevent the disease in one procedure.

During a colonoscopy, a gastroenterologist examines the entire rectum and colon for polyps or abnormalities. Other screening tests like stool tests, CRC blood tests, CT colonography and flexible sigmoidoscopy are less invasive, but you must have a follow-up colonoscopy if any of these tests are positive.

Some individuals need to begin colon cancer screening earlier than age 45. Individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer or inherited conditions such as Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis should initiate screening at an earlier age.

Find a Gastroenterologist and Make an Appointment

Between 60 and 90 percent of colon cancer deaths could be prevented if adults 45 and older participated in routine colorectal cancer screening. You might worry about testing expenses, but many insurance policies provide coverage for colon cancer screenings starting at age 45 for patients. It’s always wise to verify coverage before making your appointment.

Do you need help finding a fellowship-trained gastroenterologist? The physicians at our GI centers treat all conditions of the digestive system, including inflammatory bowel disease, diverticulitis and cancers of the colon and rectum. Make a commitment to your health by calling today to make an appointment.

Why Screening Options Differ for Colorectal Cancer

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Cancer of the colon and rectum (commonly called colorectal cancer) is a leading cause of cancer death in the United States.

Regular on-time screenings starting at age 45 for people at average risk remain effective tools in colorectal cancer (CRC) detection and prevention.

An estimated 55 million adults between 45 and 85 are eligible for a colorectal cancer screening in the United States. Yet, recent studies show one-third of Americans are overdue for their screening.

Today, there are several options for colorectal cancer screening. These screening methods include colonoscopy, stool-based tests and a new blood-based screening, approved in July by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

“I welcome new (screening) options, because there are certain patients who will not wish to have colonoscopy and also who will be uncomfortable submitting their stool,” said AMSURG Medical Staff Lead Jay Popp, MD, MACG.

Blood Test vs. Other Colorectal Cancer Screenings

In the new CRC blood test, a person’s blood is tested for changes in DNA that could suggest the presence of cancer or precancerous cells in the body.

Dr. Popp noted that this blood test is inferior to some popular stool tests. With this blood test, colorectal cancer is identified 83 percent of the time when it is present.

“Blood and stool tests may be a reasonable option to detect colon cancer, but they perform very poorly when it comes to detecting precancerous polyps,” Dr. Popp added.

The only way to detect precancerous polyps is through colonoscopy, the “gold standard” of colorectal cancer screening.

“Colonoscopy is the only screening test that can not only detect colon cancer but also prevent it,” Dr. Popp said. “Since almost all colon cancers begin as a small growth called a polyp, during screening colonoscopy, these polyps can be identified and removed, thus preventing cancer from developing.”

Yet, many people decline colonoscopy for various reasons.

“Fear of the procedure and fear of what might be found could be a deterrent to some people,” Dr. Popp said. “The test requires a restricted diet the day before and laxative to clean the colon — another reason people may be reluctant to have the test. There could be issues with payment, especially in those who have no health insurance. Other issues include taking time off from work, perhaps obtaining childcare and arranging transportation to and from the procedure.”

Like stool-based screenings, if the blood-based test is positive (abnormal) a person will need a follow-up colonoscopy to determine if cancer or precancerous polyps are present. Follow-ups are recommended within six months following the abnormal test.

Failing to follow up or delaying the colonoscopy may increase your risk of colon cancer and result in an advanced stage of the disease at diagnosis.

When colorectal cancer is found at an early stage before it has spread, the five-year survival rate is about 90 percent.

Consult Your Doctor about Getting Screened for Colon Cancer

Due to the rising number of cases of colon cancer in younger adults, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force advises that adults undergo a baseline screening for colon cancer at age 45.

“People with a family history of colon cancer, certain hereditary syndromes or a history of inflammatory bowel disease should be screened earlier than age 45 and more frequently,” Dr. Popp said. “Finally, patients with digestive symptoms that may be experienced with CRC should seek medical attention regardless of age.”

Patients should talk to their healthcare provider about which screenings might be good options for them. It is important to note health insurance coverage varies for CRC screening tests, so patients should contact their providers prior to getting screened.

“As is often said, the best screening test is the one that gets done,” said Abbey E. Vandersall, MD, MS, AMSURG Vice President of Quality & Clinical Services. “We need to get more people screened, regardless of the method used. This is a preventable cancer and losing over 50,000 people to this disease annually is unacceptable.”

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Getting screened is critical to detecting and preventing colorectal cancer. Screenings can save your life.

Quality care is available at our surgery centers around the country for your first CRC screening or a follow-up colonoscopy. Call today to make an appointment.

Changing Your Habits May Lower Your Risk for Colon Cancer

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A new study found that changing your daily habits could lower the risk of cancer, and colon cancer was one of the cancers most affected by modifiable risk factors.

What Cancers Do Risk Factors Affect Most?

Risk factors do not affect all types of cancer equally. Cancer types that caused the highest number of deaths due to modifiable risk factors include the following:

  • Lung cancer — 122,740 cases
  • Colorectal cancer — 25,800 cases
  • Liver cancer — 14,720 cases
  • Esophageal cancer — 13,600

Modifiable Risk Factors You Can Influence

Genetics can affect your cancer risk, but diet and lifestyle are just as important. New research from the American Cancer Society suggests making lifestyle changes can reduce cancer risk in four out of 10 cases and half of cases in people 30 and older.

These findings, published in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, reinforce that people can modify their risk for cancer and cancer death — including colon cancer — by making intentional changes in their day-to-day choices. Some of these choices include the following:

  1. Stop smoking or do not begin smoking. Smoking tobacco or being exposed to tobacco is known to cause cancer.
  2. Eat a nutritious diet. Consuming high amounts of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and fiber can help prevent obesity and cancer. Limit eating fast food and other processed foods, which contain high amounts of fats, sugars and starches.
  3. Be physically active. Regular exercise prevents weight gain and protects against colon, breast and endometrial cancer.
  4. Limit eating red and processed meat. Red and processed meat cause colon cancer, so limit your intake of beef, pork and lamb, and avoid processed meat.
  5. Avoid consuming sugary drinks. Sweet beverages can cause weight gain and obesity in adults and children. Water and unsweetened beverages are best for your health.
  6. Drink alcohol only on special occasions. Alcohol can cause cancers of the mouth, pharynx and larynx, esophagus, liver, colon, rectum, breast and stomach.
  7. Maintain a healthy weight. Try to keep your weight within the healthy range throughout life. Aim for a body mass index (BMI) of 18.5-24.9 and reduce excess body fat.
  8. Do not use supplements to prevent cancer. Healthy food is more likely to protect against cancer than dietary supplements.

Most risk factors relate to food choices and body weight. Adopting a long-term healthy lifestyle with regular physical activity will benefit your overall health and reduce your chances of developing cancer.

“Interventions to help maintain healthy body weight and diet can also substantially reduce the number of cancer cases and deaths in the country, especially given the increasing incidence of several cancer types associated with excess body weight — particularly in younger individuals,” said lead author Farhad Islami, MD, PhD, senior scientific director for cancer disparity research at the American Cancer Society.

Excess body weight contributed to 7.6 percent of cancers, followed by alcohol use (5.4 percent), UV exposure (4.6 percent) and sedentary lifestyle (3.1 percent), according to the study.

Smoking cigarettes is a primary risk factor for lung cancer and colon cancer, as well as many other types of cancer. Smoking also increases the risk of developing colon polyps. The study found that smoking accounting for 20 percent of cancer cases and 30 percent of cancer-related deaths.

Colon Cancer Screenings Save Lives

Routine screenings are one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). It usually takes about 10 to 15 years for growths called polyps to develop into colon cancer. Screening can detect polyps or colon cancer early when it is easiest to treat.

Several colon cancer screening tests are available, but colonoscopy is the most comprehensive. A colonoscopy allows a doctor to visually inspect the entire colon and remove precancerous polyps, called adenomas, in the same procedure. Other screening tests — like stool tests, CRC blood test, CT colonography and flexible sigmoidoscopy — are less invasive, but you must have a follow-up colonoscopy if any of these tests are positive.

Most insurance plans provide coverage for colon cancer screening beginning at 45, but call your insurance provider for more details about your health plan.

Make an Appointment with a Gastroenterologist for a Colorectal Cancer Screening

Individuals with an average risk for colon cancer might only require a colonoscopy every 10 years to screen for the disease. Therefore, it is important to choose a skilled GI doctor who has a high adenoma detection rate (ADR). ADR is the percentage of time that a gastroenterologist finds at least one precancerous polyp during a screening colonoscopy.

Do you need to find a GI center near you? Our physicians are located nationwide and are accepting new patients. Call today to make an appointment.

Young People Need to Know Colon Cancer Symptoms

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The occurrence of colon cancer is increasing in individuals younger than 50, highlighting the importance of early detection and awareness of symptoms in young adults to combat this deadly disease.

Colorectal Cancer Is a Leading Cause of Cancer Death

Colon cancer is no longer a disease of the elderly. Today, it is the leading cause of cancer death for men younger than 50 and the second deadliest cancer for women.

“Since 1995, there has been a 45 percent increase in colorectal cancer diagnoses in people under the age of 50,” said Folasade May, MD, a cancer prevention researcher and gastroenterologist at UCLA Health in Los Angeles.

Due to the rising number of cases of colon cancer in younger adults, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force is advising that individuals undergo a baseline screening for colon cancer at the age of 45 rather than 50.

Common Symptoms of Colon Cancer in Young Adults

JAMA Network Open published an analysis of 80 studies involving almost 25 million people younger than 50. The study found that young adults often share similar colon cancer symptoms. Blood in the stool was a symptom in 45 percent of cases, followed by abdominal cramps (40 percent) and changes in bowel habits (27 percent).

Diagnosis often took longer in younger patients, often between four and six months after they noticed symptoms.

Do Not Ignore Warning Signs of Colon Cancer

One of the main issues of young-onset colon cancer incidence is that young people tend to ignore symptoms and avoid getting medical evaluation.

Researchers on a team led by Joshua Demb, a graduate student at the University of California, San Diego, wrote that “younger patients may experience ongoing signs and symptoms and delay seeking medical attention. Potential reasons for these delays include a patient believing they are too young to worry about cancer or a lack of access to primary care or health insurance.”

Blood in the stool is always a red flag, although bloody stool can be indicative of other digestive issues. According to the research, individuals younger than 50 with blood in their stool have a fivefold increase in the risk of developing colon cancer compared to those without this symptom.

How Can I Tell if It’s Hemorrhoids or Colon Cancer?

Hemorrhoids are a common condition that can also cause bloody stools. About 89 percent of Americans will develop hemorrhoids at some point in their lives.

It can be difficult to determine the origin of the bleeding, which is why it is essential to visit a doctor. Hemorrhoids are swollen tissues in the rectum and anus that can itch and bleed. Although they can be painful, hemorrhoids are not life-threatening like a cancerous colon polyp.

Early Detection Leads to Early Treatment

If you are experiencing rectal bleeding and abdominal pain, do not ignore your symptoms. You may have some inflamed hemorrhoids that will respond well to over-the-counter treatment. It may, however, be a bleeding polyp that could turn into cancer. Both conditions require prompt attention.

Procrastinating can be dangerous when it comes to colon cancer. Various studies suggest 58 to 89 percent of young-onset colon cancer is diagnosed in advanced stages, compared to 30 to 63 percent in older patients.

It is wise to notify your doctor as soon as you exhibit symptoms. Finding colon cancer early increases the likelihood of a positive treatment outcome. Demb and his colleagues estimate young colon cancer patients delay about 40 percent longer in getting screened and diagnosed.

Know Your Personal Risk of Colorectal Cancer

Colon cancer can affect anyone, but certain individuals may have factors that increase their chances of developing the disease. Some of these risk factors include the following:

  • Obesity, especially in men
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Smoking
  • Heavy alcohol use
  • Low-fiber diet
  • Family history of colon cancer
  • Genetic syndromes — e.g., Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)

Find an Expertly Trained GI Doctor

Your digestive health is a priority, so don’t delay in getting tested for colorectal cancer. When is the last time you had a colonoscopy or another screening method? You may be due for preventive care.

Our doctors provide quality care at GI centers across the country and are accepting new patients. Whether you suffer from digestive issues such as inflammatory bowel disease, diverticulitis or ulcers, our physicians can help. Find a location near you and call today.

Get Your Follow-up Colonoscopy After an Abnormal Stool Test

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How often have you stopped short of the finish line on your health goals? A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that 52 percent of patients did not follow through with colon cancer screening recommendations when hidden blood was found in their stool samples.

Two Types of Colorectal Cancer Screenings

Cancer of the colon and rectum is a leading cause of cancer death in the United States. There are two types of screenings that help detect colon cancer or abnormalities:

  • Stool-based tests — These tests are less invasive and check for signs of cancer in a stool sample. You must repeat these tests more often than visual exams. Examples of these are fecal immunochemical tests (FIT) and stool DNA tests.
  • Visual exams — These cancer screening tests look for abnormalities in the structure of the rectum and colon. Colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy and virtual colonoscopy are the three tests available.

Colonoscopy is the gold standard for colon cancer screening. During colonoscopy, your doctor will visually inspect the entire colon and remove pre-cancerous polyps, which reduces the risk of cancer. If you do not have polyps, you may not need to repeat the test for 10 years.

Young patients and patients who are at average risk for colon cancer sometimes prefer stool-based tests (SBT) because they do not have to do colonoscopy prep or take time off work. If the test is positive, patients need to schedule a colonoscopy to determine whether the blood is from colon cancer or another source, like hemorrhoids or ulcers.

Less Than Half of Adults Complete Necessary Follow-Up Colonoscopy

Elizabeth L. Ciemins, PhD, MPH, from the American Medical Group Association in Alexandria, Virginia, led a quality improvement study to analyze whether screening-eligible adults chose to get a follow-up colonoscopy after an abnormal stool test.

“Based on our previous work, we recognized a serious deficit in patients receiving the necessary follow-up after an abnormal stool-based screening test for colorectal cancer,” said Dr. Ciemins. “Our accompanying qualitative research identified a lack of awareness in current rates of follow-up by primary care providers and others.”

The researchers looked at data from 38 health care organizations for 20,581 patients aged 50 to 75 years who received abnormal results from a colorectal cancer SBT. The team found that 47.9 percent had a follow-up colonoscopy within six months.

The study found that follow-up colonoscopy screening rates were lower among Black patients (37.1 percent) and patients with Medicare and Medicaid (49.2 and 39.2 percent, respectively).

“Use of SBTs may increase overall screening rates, but abnormal results must be followed up with a colonoscopy to diagnose CRC — ideally as soon as possible, but definitely within the six months after an abnormal test result,” the research authors wrote.

Tips Make Colonoscopy More Manageable

Have you received a positive stool-based test and you need to schedule a follow-up colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy might seem scary or intimidating, but the new prep solutions are low-volume, more palatable and easier to consume. Here are seven tips to make a colonoscopy prep more comfortable:

  1. Reduce or eliminate meat from your diet a few days before your prep day.
  2. You will need to spend one day on a clear liquid diet. Create variety in your clear liquids by purchasing assorted flavors of broth, gelatin and Italian ice. Just remember to avoid anything that has red or blue dye, as it may make it more difficult to examine the colon.
  3. Chill your colonoscopy prep liquid. Drink it chilled and chase it with cold water.
  4. Use a straw to drink the prep liquid. You can drink it faster and you will not taste it as much.
  5. Purchase soft toilet paper and flushable wipes.
  6. Plan to watch that new series or movie on prep day, as it will give you something to look forward to instead of dread!
  7. Plan an at-home project or activity that will occupy you on prep day.

Screenings Essential for Preventive Care

Preventive medical care is important for optimum health, but we often put health screenings at the bottom of our to-do list. Colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in the United States, but one-third of Americans are overdue for a colon cancer screening.

The American Cancer Society recommends that all adults who are at average risk for colon cancer begin screening at age 45. If you have a family or personal history of colon cancer, colon polyps, inflammatory bowel disease or hereditary colon cancer syndromes such as Lynch syndrome or FAAP, you should undergo screening at an earlier age.

Most insurance plans provide coverage for screening colonoscopy beginning at 45, but call your insurance provider for more details about your health plan. Now that we are in the second half of the year, it is important to schedule procedures as soon as possible.

Are You Looking for a GI Specialist?

Perhaps you have not scheduled a colonoscopy or GI consultation because you need to find a gastroenterologist. Our fellowship-trained gastroenterologists are accepting new patients at our GI facilities nationwide. Call our centers today to ask about colon cancer screening or any other digestive procedure. We offer treatment for GERD, diverticulitis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and other chronic digestive system conditions.

Colon Cancer Prevention? Regular Screenings Are Key.

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Colorectal cancer is preventable with regular screenings, and it is easier to treat if doctors diagnose it at an early stage before the disease spreads.

Colon Cancer Is a Common but Generally Preventable Cancer

Did you know nearly 60 million people between 45 and 85 are eligible for colon cancer screening in the United States? According to a study published in JAMA Network Open, the screening-eligible population is 57.1 to 59.6 million people.

Colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death among adults, but it can affect individuals of all ages. The American Cancer Society recommends that everyone who is at average risk for colon cancer begin regular screening at age 45.

What Are the Screening Options for Colon Cancer?

There are two main categories of colon cancer screening methods: tests that analyze stool samples and visual examinations. All tests have different risks and benefits.

  • Stool-based tests — These tests are non-invasive and check for signs of cancer in a stool sample. You must repeat these tests more often. Examples of stool-based tests include the following:
    • Fecal immunochemical test (FIT) — You must repeat this test every year.
    • FIT/Stool DNA test — You must repeat this test every three years.
    • Guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (gFOBT) — You must repeat this test every year.
  • Visual exams — These cancer screening tests look for abnormalities in the structure of the rectum and colon. Examples of visual exams include the following:
    • Colonoscopy — This is the gold standard for colon cancer screening because a doctor can remove polyps during the procedure and reduce the risk of cancer. If you do not have polyps, you may not need to repeat the test for 10 years.
    • CT colonography — Must be repeated every five years.
    • Sigmoidoscopy — Must be repeated every five years.

Even though colonoscopy is the most comprehensive colon cancer screening of the colon and rectum, stool-based tests have the benefit of being non-invasive and convenient. It is important to remember that if you get an abnormal result from a stool-based test, you must follow up with a colonoscopy (American Cancer Society). Follow-ups are recommended within six months following the abnormal test.

Deficits in Colon Cancer Screenings

Unfortunately, many Americans are not up to date on colorectal cancer screening. Reasons can range from avoidance to lack of education, but millions of people are not getting screened at recommended intervals or not getting tested at all.

“We hope our estimates can support policy makers and health care stakeholders to advance initiatives surrounding colorectal cancer screening to prevent this disease or identify it earlier when more can be done to treat it,” said Derek W. Ebner, MD, of the division of gastroenterology and hepatology at the Mayo Clinic.

Dr. Ebner conducted a study among people between the ages of 45 and 85 who were at average risk for colon cancer. In that sample, 59.3 percent to 61.8 percent were current on screening. The final estimated population that was eligible for screening was 57.1 to 59.6 million people, including individuals who were eligible for screening the following year.

Who Is at High Risk for Colorectal Cancer?

People qualify as increased or high risk if they have any of the following:

  • A family history of colorectal cancer
  • A personal history of colorectal cancer or specific type of polyp
  • A personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (like ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease)
  • A confirmed or suspected hereditary colon cancer syndrome, like familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or Lynch Syndrome (hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer)
  • A history of radiation in the abdomen or pelvis because of prior cancer (ACS)

You May Be Due for a Colon Cancer Screening

If you are 45 or older, talk to your doctor about whether you are eligible for colon cancer screening this year. Most insurance plans provide coverage for screening colonoscopy for patients beginning at age 45, so call your insurance plan to verify coverage.

Locate a Colorectal Screening Center Near You

Our GI centers have fellowship-trained gastroenterologists to meet all your digestive system needs. Whether you seek a colon cancer screening or a consultation for a chronic GI problem, our physicians and caring staff are available to serve you. Call today to make an appointment.

Genetic Link Between Colon Cancer Risk and Meat Consumption?

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It’s finally barbecue season again. The aroma of grilled hot dogs and hamburgers is the smell of summer and brings back memories of family picnics and ball games.

Although burgers and dogs are tasty, you may consider eating other proteins for your overall health. Past research shows eating red and processed meat can increase your risk for colorectal cancer (CRC). A new study suggests genetics can alter colon cancer risk based on red or processed meat consumption.

New Study Underscores Health Risks of Red and Processed Meat

A new study supported by the National Institutes of Health and led by the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of the Keck School of Medicine of USC, found that people who ate red or processed meat were, respectively, 30 or 40 percent more likely to develop colon cancer.

The researchers studied data on more than 29,000 people with colon cancer and more than 39,000 without colon cancer. During the study, they isolated two genes, HAS2 and SMAD7, that affected colon cancer risk based on red or processed meat consumption.

“These findings suggest that there’s a subset of the population that faces an even higher risk of colorectal cancer if they eat red or processed meat,” lead author Mariana C. Stern, PhD, a Professor of Population and Public Health Sciences and Urology, told Medical Xpress.

“It also allows us to get a peek at the potential mechanism behind that risk, which we can then follow up with experimental studies,” added Dr. Stern, who is also the Ira Goodman Chair in Cancer Research and the associate director for Population Science at the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center.

The study made significant progress in establishing the connection between red and processed meat and colon cancer, but the team has not found a causal link for the genetic variants.

“This gives us some important food for thought,” said Dr. Stern. “We do these gene-environment interaction studies when we know there’s a clear association between an environmental exposure and a disease, but what happens in between is still a black box.”

What Are Some Alternatives to Red or Processed Meat?

Healthier alternatives to hamburgers, steak, hot dogs, sausage and deli meat include lean poultry like chicken or turkey breast. Poultry provides an excellent source of flavorful protein without the cancer risk. Try eating fish like salmon or tuna, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Adding some seasonal vegetables to the menu will help you be satisfied and satiated.

Also, consider an alternate cooking method for proteins than grilling. Heterocyclic amines (HCAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are chemicals formed when beef, pork, fish or poultry cooks at high temperatures. Laboratory studies show HCAs and PAHs change the DNA in meat and can increase the risk of cancer.

Routine Screenings Can Detect and Even Prevent Colon Cancer

It is estimated there will be about 106,590 new cases of colon cancer and 46,220 new cases of rectal cancer in 2024. Of all the cancer deaths in people younger than 50, colorectal cancer is the leading cause of death in men and the second-leading cause of death in women.

Routine screening is the most effective way to prevent CRC, even more so than diet or exercise. Because colon cancer can develop slowly without symptoms, it is important for adults at average risk to begin screening at age 45. If you have risk factors, like a family history of colon cancer or colon polyps, inflammatory bowel disease or hereditary colon cancer, you should start screening earlier.

Several options are available to screen for colorectal cancer. The goal of colonoscopy is to find and remove polyps growing on the colon wall. Most polyps are benign; however, if they are not removed, some could become cancerous. If the exam does not detect polyps and you are not at higher risk for colon cancer, your next screening may be in 10 years.

If you choose to take an alternate screening test and your result is positive, you will need a follow-up colonoscopy to determine the cause of the positive result.

Don’t Ignore Potential CRC Symptoms

Talk to your doctor if you experience any of these common symptoms for colon cancer: abdominal pain, blood in the stool, changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss or vomiting.

If you have digestive symptoms, you should consult your doctor, regardless of your age.

Find a Gastroenterologist Near You

When was the last time you had a colorectal cancer screening? Scheduling your colonoscopy at an ambulatory surgery center may be a good option because these centers are dedicated to specific procedures and may be less expensive.

Physicians at our colon cancer screening centers are accepting new patients and look forward to serving you. Call today to make an appointment with a fellowship-trained gastroenterologist.