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.

Colon cancer survivor Karen Fisher transformed her pain of diagnosis into a purpose to help others.

The Inverness, Florida, pharmacist helps newly diagnosed colorectal cancer (CRC) patients find support resources and encourages adults to get timely preventive screenings.

“I have been able to help friends, coworkers and neighbors get screened for colon cancer,” Fisher said. “It makes me feel good to be able to help other people prevent going through what I went through.”

Fisher learned she had Stage 2A colon cancer at age 54.

“Colon cancer wasn’t really even on the radar,” she said. “So, it was kind of a shock.”

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. This monthlong campaign promotes the research, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and, ultimately, cure for this disease.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates about 106,590 people will be diagnosed with colon cancer and about 46,220 with rectal cancer in 2024.

Don’t Make Excuses for Not Getting Screened

In 2016, experts recommended that colorectal cancer screenings begin at 50 for people at average risk for the disease. Fisher turned 50 that year but made excuses to postpone her screening.

“I was busy with work and teenagers and after-school activities, and you know, moms take care of everybody else but themselves,” she said. “I had even driven my husband to his colonoscopy when he turned 50. He’s five months younger than me.”

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommended the screening age be lowered to 45 in 2021 because of an increase in cancer in younger people. CRC is now the number one cause of cancer death in men and the second in women younger than 50.

Fisher had no family history of CRC and did not think she had any symptoms.

“I had blood in the stool, but at the time I was perimenopausal, and I thought I was spotting between periods,” she said. “Looking back, I can recognize that yes, I had a symptom.”

Fisher’s health insurance required her to get a colonoscopy at the hospital where she works.

“That was one thing that prevented me from getting screened in a timely manner. I didn’t want to get naked in front of my coworkers,” she said. “I knew everyone in the endoscopy department. I didn’t want them to see me, so I put it off.”

Colonoscopy Reveals Cancer Diagnosis

In May 2020, Fisher tried to donate blood but was turned away because her hemoglobin level was low. Blood tests revealed Fisher had iron deficiency anemia. To determine the cause, her family doctor ordered a colonoscopy.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, a backlog of cases at the hospital, and the urgent nature of her anemia, she was able to get a medical exception to have the procedure at Citrus Endoscopy and Surgery Center in nearby Crystal River.

Gastroenterologist Trupti Shinde, MD, performed the colonoscopy and found a 5 cm mass in Fisher’s colon. Dr. Shinde referred her to Parth Patel, MD, general surgeon, to remove the tumor and scheduled surgery in July 2020. Pathology revealed that the cancer was Stage 2A.

“It was just such a whirlwind of activity with me. You know, me still trying to work full time, too, and trying to process all of this in my head,” Fisher said.

A Foundation to Help CRC Patients

About six months post-surgery, Fisher scheduled a follow-up appointment with Dr. Shinde. The two discussed the lack of support and resources for colorectal cancer patients and caregivers.

“After recovery, I asked all my doctors about a support group for colon cancer but none of them knew of any,” Fisher said. “I did a lot of research online and found a lot of good resources. I wanted to share them with other colon cancer patients.”

Patient and doctor began offering support groups at the local library without much success. Undeterred, they refocused their efforts on compiling a list of patient resources into a pamphlet designed by Fisher’s son. Then they shared the pamphlets with local surgery centers and healthcare facilities for distribution to CRC patients.

From this outreach, Fisher worked with Dr. Shinde and Dr. Patel to create the nonprofit Citrus Colorectal Cancer Foundation. The foundation started in June 2021, Fisher’s one-year “cancerversary.”

The foundation offers direction for educational, financial and emotional support for CRC patients, caregivers and the community. The foundation is planning ColonFest ‘24 on March 23 and the second annual Charity Casino Night in April.

A New Survivor Lifestyle

Currently, there are more than one million colorectal cancer survivors in the U.S.

Fisher is fully healed three and a half years after her surgery.

“Everything is back to normal, and I can barely see the scars from the surgery,” she said.

A self-proclaimed chocoholic and a junk food junkie, Fisher adopted a healthier lifestyle, eating whole grains, fruits and vegetables and avoiding too much red meat, sugary foods and drinks.

“I lost 25 pounds after my surgery and recovery,” she said. “I feel like if I eat junk food then my cancer might come back.”

Even more so than diet or exercise, experts recognize regular colon cancer screening is the most effective way to prevent colorectal cancer. Fisher said she gets all her health screenings on time and doesn’t self-diagnose health conditions anymore.

Fisher, now 57, advises people not to make excuses and get screened on time.

“There are many types of colon cancer screening available these days, but I always recommend a colonoscopy,” Fisher said.

During a colonoscopy, your doctor can find and remove any polyps — often before they become cancerous. Colonoscopy is the only screening method that can detect and prevent colorectal cancer.

If you choose to take a stool test and receive a positive result, you need a follow-up colonoscopy to determine the cause.

Fisher keeps tabs on her family’s health screenings. One in three people with colorectal cancer have family members who also had it, according to the ACS. People with a family history of colorectal cancer, past polyps or specific genetic cancer syndromes should start screening earlier.

“My family is more aware of possible colon cancer symptoms since it can run in families,” she said. “They have been very supportive of me and my journey.”

In 2025, Fisher is looking forward to celebrating five years with no evidence of disease. She is even considering cheating on her diet.

“Maybe, once I reach the five-year mark, I will celebrate with some chocolate cake,” she said.

After retirement, Fisher said she wants to share the foundation’s mission in person across the U.S.

“I would love to buy an RV and travel all over the country, delivering my pamphlets to every scoping center I can find,” she said. “I would love to have regular support group meetings and help others go through this unwanted journey.”

Schedule Your Colonoscopy

CRC diagnosis in adults 40-49 has increased by nearly 15 percent in the past decade. Younger people tend to have more aggressive tumors that may be more difficult to treat.

Experts recommend colorectal cancer screenings begin at age 45 for adults who are at average risk.

“Prevention is a cure, and we have to prevent bad things,” Dr. Shinde said. “And I tell my patients, if you’re healthy and you want to do all these things in your life, then you are the perfect candidate to get the colonoscopy because it’s the best preventive tool.”

Scheduling your colonoscopy at an ambulatory surgery center (ASC) may be a good option because ASCs are dedicated to specific procedures and may be less expensive.

“A great colonoscopy is not a job of only a physician. It’s a team,” Dr. Shinde said. “It’s a team effort, and it’s a well-oiled machine at an ASC.”

Getting screened is critical to detecting and preventing colorectal cancer. If you are 45 or older and you need a doctor, we can help you find our GI centers located nationwide. Call today to make an appointment.

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This article is designed for educational purposes only. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health concern or disease. It is not a substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a health concern, you should consult your healthcare provider.

When you gather with relatives this Thanksgiving to celebrate, consider discussing your family medical history.

This year, Nov. 23 is National Family Health History Day. It is the ideal time to discuss colorectal cancer (CRC).

One in three people with colorectal cancer have family members who also had it, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS).

If your relative was diagnosed before turning 50, your risk increases. This is called early-age-onset or young-onset cancer.

If your immediate family members have had adenomatous polyps (abnormal growths that can become cancer), your risk for CRC also increases.

Colorectal cancer is preventable. After learning your family history of CRC or polyps, you can make informed decisions about life-saving health screenings.

Collect Your Family Medical History

A family history of colorectal cancer is defined as having a first-degree relative (mother, father, sister or brother) with colon cancer or precancerous polyps.

An increased risk may extend to second-degree relatives to include aunts, uncles, grandparents, grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Before you start asking personal medical questions, it’s important to tell your close relatives why you need this information. The fact is, this knowledge could help save your life.

“Someone with a strong family history of colon cancer may be recommended for a colonoscopy earlier than the general population …,” said medical expert Saundra Nguyen, MD, in Medical XPress. “We can also identify early warning signs of disease and work on preventive lifestyle measures.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends compiling a list of questions to collect your family medical history. Write their answers down on this Family Health Tree.

The following questions may help you collect important colorectal health information from both sides of your family.

• Have you been diagnosed with colorectal cancer or had polyps discovered during a colonoscopy?
• How old were you (exact or approximate age) at diagnosis or when polyps were found?

Everyone is at risk for developing colorectal cancer, regardless of age. In the U.S., approximately 10 percent of individuals younger than 50 are diagnosed with CRC. Research indicates these people are more likely to have advanced disease at diagnosis.

• What is the origin of your family?

Your racial and ethnic background can be a factor in your risk for a colorectal cancer diagnosis.

According to the American Cancer Society, American Indians and Alaska Natives have the highest rates of colorectal cancer in the U.S. They are followed by African American men and women.

Additionally, the ACS indicates “Jews of Eastern European descent (Ashkenazi Jews) have one of the highest colorectal cancer risks of any ethnic group in the world.”

Once you collect your colorectal health history, it’s important to share detailed information with your healthcare provider. Request to have this information included in your medical records. Include the names and ages of family members who have had colon cancer and/or polyps.

Schedule a Colonoscopy

The United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends people at average risk for colorectal cancer start screening at age 45. Individuals should be screened even if they don’t have symptoms. People with digestive symptoms should be considered for colonoscopy regardless of age.

People with a family history of colorectal cancer, past polyps or specific genetic cancer syndromes should start screening earlier. Screening should start at age 40, or 10 years before the age that the immediate family member was diagnosed with cancer. You may need to schedule screenings more frequently.

Colonoscopy is the recommended method of screening for people with a family history of CRC. During a colonoscopy, a gastroenterologist examines the entire length of your colon for polyps or abnormalities. Doctors can detect and remove precancerous polyps in the same procedure.

Coverage of colonoscopy differs with health insurance policies. In most cases, there should be no out-of-pocket costs (such as copays or deductibles) for CRC screening tests.

You should contact your health insurance provider to verify any charges and to approve a colonoscopy before age 45.

Next, think about arranging your colonoscopy.

We are able to assist you with finding a gastroenterologist. Our doctors perform colonoscopy screenings at ambulatory surgery centers around the country. Find a center near you and schedule this life-saving procedure for your health.

Since hemorrhoids and colon cancer may have similar symptoms, it’s important to know the facts about each condition and to get an accurate diagnosis from a physician.

What Are Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels in the anal and rectal walls. When the surrounding tissues become inflamed, they can enlarge, protrude and bleed. Hemorrhoids are common — about half of all adults older than 50 are affected.
Common symptoms of hemorrhoids may include the following:

• Blood in the stool, on toilet paper or in the toilet bowl
• Inflammation or a hard lump around the anus
• Pain, itching or burning around the anus

Hemorrhoids can be internal or external, and both types can bleed. Untreated hemorrhoids can cause infection, anal spasm, ulceration and anemia.

“Hemorrhoids are common, and it’s easy to assume they could be the cause of rectal bleeding. But don’t take a chance — see your doctor and be sure,” said AMSURG Medical Staff Lead Jay Popp, MD.

What Is Colon Cancer?

Colon cancer is cancer of the large intestine that forms in the colon’s lining. Most cases of colon cancer begin as an abnormal growth of cells called a polyp. All polyps start as benign; however, if not discovered and removed, polyps can become cancerous.

Symptoms of colon cancer include the following:

• Abdominal pain and cramping
• Rectal bleeding
• Fatigue
• Thin, pencil-like stools
• Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation, diarrhea or both
• Nausea and vomiting
• A feeling of incomplete evacuation
• Anal urgency, or feeling a constant need to pass stool
• Weight loss

Differences Between Colon Cancer and Hemorrhoids

Only a physician can accurately diagnose hemorrhoids or colon cancer, so it is essential to avoid self-diagnosis. Certain activities and conditions often can cause hemorrhoids. Some of these include the following:

• Pregnancy
• Constipation
• Straining to have a bowel movement
• Lifting too much weight frequently
• Sedentary lifestyle

With colon cancer, diagnosis can be complicated. Some people do not experience any symptoms. Also, many colon cancer symptoms are commonly experienced with non-cancerous conditions, such as infection, irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease.

Most importantly, colon cancer has more severe health implications, as it is the second-leading cause of cancer death in the United States. An estimated 153,020 new cases of colon cancer will be diagnosed this year, and 52,550 Americans are expected to die from the disease.

Make an Appointment for a Colonoscopy

If you are experiencing hemorrhoids or colon cancer symptoms, you should make an appointment with your doctor. Colon cancer is highly treatable when diagnosed early, and colonoscopy is the most effective test. A colonoscopy allows your doctor to view the entire colon and remove polyps before they become cancerous.

The American Cancer Society recommends that all adults at average risk for colon cancer begin screening at age 45. You may need to get screened earlier if you have a family history of colon cancer or a personal history of polyps. If you have digestive complaints, talk to your doctor regardless of your age. It is important you have troublesome symptoms evaluated.

Syndromes like familial adenomatous polyposis (FAAP) and hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer can also contribute to colon cancer risk, so talk to your doctor about when and how often you should get screened.

Do you need to schedule a colonoscopy? We can help. Our colon cancer screening centers have fellowship-trained gastroenterologists who are accepting new patients. Call today and make an appointment.

Popular diets like Mediterranean, Keto, South Beach and The Zone are trendy for weight loss, sustainability and health benefits.

Some studies indicate plant-based diets lower the risk of chronic diseases such as colorectal cancer, heart disease, diabetes and stroke.

New research suggests individuals who eat more environmentally friendly foods may live longer and help to preserve the Earth.

Higher Diet Score Equals Lower Mortality Rate

The study references the Planetary Health Diet, developed in 2019 by the EAT-Lancet Commission.

This diet emphasizes filling your plate with more whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts and legumes. This plan also recommends eating smaller portions of meat, fish, eggs, refined cereals and tubers.

Researcher Linh Bui, MD, commented on the study in an American Society for Nutrition release. Bui is a PhD candidate in the Department of Nutrition at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

“We proposed a new diet score that incorporates the best current scientific evidence of food effects on both health and the environment,” Dr. Bui said. “The results confirmed our hypothesis that a higher Planetary Health Diet score was associated with a lower risk of mortality.”

Based on this diet plan, researchers created their own Planetary Health Diet Index (PHDI). The index looked at results from 100,000 people in two large U.S. studies. The data covered 30 years.

People with higher index scores had lower risks of death from cancer or cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative disease and respiratory diseases.

The study discovered that following this diet plan’s food suggestions benefits the environment in multiple ways. It reduces greenhouse gases, land and water use, as well as nutrient pollution.

Schedule Your CRC Screening

Protecting the planet and protecting your health are important goals for everyone.

Did you know colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in the United States? Everyone is at risk for this disease, regardless of age.

You can protect your colorectal health by eating a healthy diet, exercising, avoiding alcohol and not smoking. Experts agree the most effective way to reduce your risk of CRC is with regular screenings.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that anyone at average risk get screened for colorectal cancer starting at 45. If you have a family history of the disease or a history of precancerous polyps, get screened earlier. If you have digestive complaints, talk to your doctor regardless of your age. It is important you have troublesome symptoms evaluated.

Although stool tests are options for colon cancer screening, colonoscopy is the preferred method. During a colonoscopy, a gastroenterologist examines the entire length of your colon for polyps or abnormalities. Doctors can detect and remove precancerous polyps in the same procedure.

Our doctors perform colonoscopy screenings at ambulatory surgery centers around the country. Find a center near you and schedule this life-saving procedure for your health.