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PACT Act Assists Veterans at Risk for Colon Cancer

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Veterans Day (Nov. 11) honors the more than 19 million men and women who have served in the US military. For their dedication, service and sacrifice, it is important to recognize service members’ health and well-being.

Many in our armed forces have served in locations where they were exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances. This exposure resulted in health issues affecting their lives and livelihood.

In August, Congress passed the bipartisan Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act. This new law expands Veterans Affairs (VA) health care and benefits for veterans exposed to toxic substances during their years of service. Robinson, a decorated combat medic, died from a rare form of lung cancer after exposure to toxins.

The PACT Act includes an expansion of the types of cancers that are now presumed to be service-connected disabilities. Among these is colorectal cancer.

“Sometimes military service can result in increased health risks for our veterans, and some injuries and illnesses like asthma, cancer and others can take years to manifest,” the White House said in a statement. “These realities can make it difficult for veterans to establish a direct connection between their service and disabilities resulting from military environmental exposures such as burn pits — a necessary step to ensure they receive the health care they earned.

Toxin-exposed Military Personnel May Need Screening Before 45

Within the last 30 years, there has been a rise in colorectal cancer in younger patients. According to statistics, the number of cases has been increasing since the mid-1990s in adults ages 40-54. A diagnosis before age 50 is considered young-onset or early onset cancer.

As a result, leading health agencies now recommend all average-risk individuals start colon cancer screenings at age 45.

Veterans exposed to toxins may be at higher risk of developing colorectal cancer and may need to be screened earlier than age 45.

“Because a significant number of veterans … develop colorectal cancer before reaching the recommended screening age of 45, medical specialists are inclined to overlook the possibility that these patients could, in fact, suffer from this disease,” according to a Fight CRC advocacy blog post.

Don’t Delay Colon Cancer Screening

Veterans or anyone age 45 or older should not delay colorectal cancer screening.

The disease is preventable through timely screenings. Generally, colorectal cancer evolves slowly over a period of years — beginning as a polyp in the large intestine or rectum.

Colon cancer can cause symptoms like abdominal pain, blood in the stool or a change in bowel habits. Other medical conditions can cause similar symptoms, so it is important to consult your healthcare provider if you develop digestive complaints.

A quality colonoscopy is the only screening that can both detect and prevent colorectal cancer. Colonoscopy allows your doctor to see the entire length of the colon to examine for polyps and remove them before they become cancerous.

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

Veterans, their family members and caregivers can apply for PACT Act benefits. To apply, file a claim with the US Department of Veterans Affairs at the VA’s website or call 1.800.MyVA411.

When it is time for colon cancer screening, service members should consider scheduling a quality colonoscopy. Our fellowship-trained gastroenterologists perform colonoscopy screenings at surgery centers around the country. Locate one of our GI specialists near you.

A routine colonoscopy for those not impacted by the PACT Act should be covered by health insurance without out-of-pocket costs. Plans vary, so check with your provider to verify coverage.

Study Confirms Screening Colonoscopy Works

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A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine has generated considerable attention regarding the value of screening colonoscopy.

Unfortunately, some media reports of the results have caused confusion about the effectiveness of this preferred colorectal cancer screening method.

“The study recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine actually confirms what we have known for years — screening colonoscopy works,” said Jay Popp, MD, AMSURG Medical Staff Lead.

“It underscores the importance of not letting the headlines guide your healthcare decisions. Instead, base your decisions on facts and a discussion with your healthcare provider,” Dr. Popp said.

Screenings Effective if Completed

In the study, more than 84,000 men and women ages 55-64 from Poland, Norway, and Sweden were randomly invited to have a screening colonoscopy.

Only 42 percent of those invited to have a colonoscopy actually underwent the procedure. The study showed, however, the procedure was beneficial to their health.

“The take-home message here is that patients undergoing colonoscopy in this study had a 31 percent reduction in the development of colon cancer and a 50 percent reduction in death from colon cancer,” Dr. Popp said.

“This study shows that colonoscopy screening is effective — if it is completed. The test can’t prevent cancer if it isn’t done,” Dr. Popp added. “Adherence to screening, whichever method you choose, is the only way to prevent colon cancer.”

Popp noted the Norway study also reveals the importance of obtaining a quality exam.

“Two benchmarks that have been established and recognized as indicators of a quality exam include adenoma detection rate (ADR) and colon withdrawal time,” Dr. Popp said.

For each 1 percent increase in ADR there is a 3 percent decrease in colorectal cancer risk, according to a 2014 study published in The New England Journal of Medicine.

“About a third of the physicians participating (in the Norway study) had ADRs of less than 25 percent,” Dr. Popp said.

By comparison, endoscopists in our network of over 120 endoscopy centers participating in the GIQuIC registry (a nationally recognized quality indicator) have ADRs approaching 40 percent.

In this study, participants were followed for a median of 10 years.

“The benefits of colonoscopy take time,” Dr. Popp said. “To really know the benefits of screening, patients would need to be followed for a much longer period of time.”

Get Screened at Age 45

Colorectal cancer is the second-deadliest cancer in the US, but it doesn’t have to be. This type of cancer is preventable through timely screenings.

Healthcare agencies recommend people at average risk for developing colorectal cancer get their first screening at age 45. The five-year survival rate is about 90 percent when colorectal cancer is found at an early stage before it has spread to other organs.

Many screening methods are available, but colonoscopy is the only screening method that can both detect and prevent colorectal cancer. The disease often begins as a growth, called a polyp, inside the colon or rectum. Through a quality colonoscopy, polyps can be both detected and removed before they become cancerous.

“Colonoscopy remains the gold standard,” Dr. Popp said, “but the best screening test is the one that actually gets done!”

StopColonCancerNow is a network of expertly trained gastroenterologists that span 32 states and the District of Columbia. Our doctors perform quality colonoscopy screenings at surgery centers around the country. Click here to enter your zip code and locate a GI specialist near you.

Schedule Your Colonoscopy Before the Year Ends

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The last quarter of the year is upon us, so it is time to ask an important question: Have you met your healthcare deductible? If so, you may be able to take full advantage of your health insurance benefits by scheduling a screening colonoscopy before the end of the year.

Affordable Colon Cancer Screening Procedures

Health insurance is an investment, so it makes sense to receive maximum benefit from your investment. Most healthcare deductibles reset in January, so it is advantageous for you to schedule procedures and screenings after you have met your deductible.

Colonoscopy screening is essential to your wellness because it allows for early detection and removal of potentially cancerous growths called polyps. In addition, you can schedule your procedure at an ambulatory surgery center (ASC) to save money because an ASC has lower facility fees than hospitals.

What Is a Colonoscopy?

During colonoscopy, your doctor (gastroenterologist) will use a colonoscope, a flexible tube with a tiny camera, to look for abnormalities in the colon. If polyps are found, they can be removed and analyzed. The procedure takes about 30 minutes, during which time you will be sedated.

There are many types of colon cancer screenings, like flexible sigmoidoscopy, double contrast barium enema or stool tests looking for occult blood or certain genetic markers. Colonoscopy is the most effective method for colon cancer screening because your doctor can detect colon cancer and remove precancerous polyps during the same procedure.

Is a Stool Test Just as Effective?

Stool tests, although less invasive, can only detect the presence of genetic markers of cancer or hidden blood. A positive test requires a follow-up colonoscopy, so it is more efficient to select colonoscopy as your screening procedure. There are some advantages to stool tests, however. They are simple, quick and less expensive.

The Affordable Care Act requires most private insurers to cover the costs of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening tests. As of May 31, 2022, one crucial guideline change is that most patients will not pay out-of-pocket costs for a follow-up colonoscopy after a positive stool test. Plans vary, so it is important to contact your provider to determine your coverage.

Early Detection and Young-onset Colon Cancer

Early detection is key in colon cancer because it is more treatable in the early stages. According to the new guidelines of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, adults at average risk for colon cancer should begin screening at age 45. Patients with a family history of colon cancer or precancerous polyps as well as certain genetic cancer syndromes may need to begin screening even earlier.

Colon cancer prevention begins with knowing the symptoms of colon cancer. Some people do not have symptoms, but common warning signs may include the following:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Blood in the stool
  • Change in bowel habits

It’s important to understand that you’re never too young to develop colon cancer. Young-onset colon cancer is on the rise in the United States, and young adults tend to have more aggressive tumors that are challenging to treat. However, familiarizing yourself with colon cancer symptoms can be life-saving, so do not delay making an appointment if you experience any warning signs.

Schedule Your Colonoscopy at Age 45

Use your healthcare benefits to your advantage. Contact your insurance company to verify your status and schedule your colonoscopy at an ASC. Scheduling colonoscopy at recommended intervals helps ensure that your doctor can detect and remove any polyps before they become cancerous. Contrary to popular belief, a colonoscopy is not painful, expensive or time-consuming. You will only have to miss a day of work, and the sedation makes the procedure pain free.

Find a Gastroenterologist in Your Area

Are you looking for a fellowship-trained gastroenterologist in your local area? Our colon cancer screening centers are located nationwide, and our physicians are accepting new patients.

Actors “Lead From Behind” With Colonoscopy Screenings

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A simple bet between friends — and colonoscopy screenings — may have saved the lives of actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

The co-owners of the Wrexham Association Football Club in Wales made a friendly wager, which Reynolds ultimately lost. McElhenney bet that if he learned to speak Welsh, Reynolds would publicly broadcast his first colonoscopy to raise awareness regarding colon cancer.

The actors’ screening video launched the Lead From Behind campaign in partnership with the Colorectal Cancer Alliance (CCA). The campaign’s focus is to “help people learn that colon cancer is ‘The Preventable Cancer’” through timely screenings.

Research shows more young people are getting colon cancer. Now, leading healthcare agencies recommend screenings begin at 45 for those at average risk.
Both Reynolds (Deadpool) and McElhenney (It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia) are 45.

“Part of being this age is getting a colonoscopy,” Reynolds said in the video. “It’s a simple step that could literally — I mean literally — save your life.”

Colonoscopy Saves Lives

Colorectal cancer is the second-deadliest cancer in the US. But it doesn’t have to be. This type of cancer is preventable through timely screenings.

Colonoscopy is the only screening method that can both detect and prevent colorectal cancer. The disease often begins as a growth, called a polyp, inside the colon or rectum. Through a colonoscopy, polyps can be both detected and removed before they become cancerous.

Reynolds underwent his colonoscopy first. Following the procedure, Dr. Jonathan LaPook, his gastroenterologist, praised Reynolds’ thorough bowel prep. This preparation helped LaPook find and remove an “extremely subtle polyp” on the right side of Reynolds’ colon.

“This was potentially lifesaving for you,” LaPook said. “This is exactly why you do this.”

Later, Dr. Leo Treyzon, also a gastroenterologist, told McElhenney he found three polyps during his colonoscopy.

“They were small,” Dr. Treyzon said. “They were not a big deal, but [it was] certainly a good idea that we found them and removed them.”

The doctors recommended the actors repeat the colonoscopy in a couple of years.

Young People Are at Risk

The CCA reports one in 24 people gets colon cancer. Colorectal cancer is not just a disease of the elderly. One in 260 people will get colon cancer before they turn 50. This is called early-onset or young-onset cancer.

Research indicates that people who are diagnosed when younger than 50 are more likely to have advanced disease at diagnosis.

For these reasons, screenings should begin at 45 for those at average risk of developing colorectal cancer. Individuals should be screened even if they don’t have symptoms. People with digestive symptoms should be considered for colonoscopy regardless of age.

Don’t Delay Your Screening

By 2030, colon cancer is predicted to be the top cancer killer for people younger than 50, according to the CCA.

If you are 45 or older, don’t delay your colorectal cancer screening. The five-year survival rate is about 90 percent when found at an early stage before it has spread to other organs.

The Affordable Care Act requires most private insurance to cover the costs of colorectal cancer screening tests. Plans vary, so it’s important to contact your healthcare provider to verify your coverage.

If you do not have insurance, there are resources to learn about a low-cost or free colonoscopy. Some resources include the CCA Helpline, ColonoscopyAssist™ or your state’s health and human services or department of health.

A colon cancer screening may save your life or the life of a loved one. Our doctors perform colonoscopy screenings at surgery centers around the country. Search for a gastroenterologist in your area and schedule a colonoscopy.

Disparities Impact Hispanic CRC Survival Rates

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As the United States celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15-Oct. 15), it is important to recognize the health and well-being of our Hispanic population.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second-deadliest cancer among Hispanic males and the third-deadliest cancer among Hispanic females. These statistics are according to the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Facts & Figures for Hispanic/Latino People 2021-2023.

It is estimated that colon cancer causes 2,700 cancer deaths among Hispanic males. Colon cancer causes about 2,000 cancer deaths among Hispanic females, according to ACS data.

Research Targets Early-onset CRC

CRC is not just a disease of the elderly. Early-onset or young-onset cancer means a patient is diagnosed before they turn 50. People diagnosed younger than 50 are more likely to have advanced disease at diagnosis.

A recent study found that racial and ethnic disparities exist in early-onset CRC survival rates.

According to the analysis, the five-year survival rate for Hispanics, Blacks or Asians with early-onset CRC did not improve between 1992 and 2013. The only survival rate improvement noted was in white patients.

Researchers identified more than 33,700 individuals newly diagnosed with early-onset CRC between Jan. 1, 1992, and Dec. 31, 2013. Of these, 58.5 percent were white, 14.5 percent were Hispanic, 14 percent were Black and 13 percent were Asian. Statistics came from the National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) program of cancer registries.

“Our study’s identification of disparities among younger Hispanic and Asian adults adds to existing literature,” Timothy A. Zaki, MD, the study’s lead author, told MedicalXpress. “However, we lack information, such as what treatment these individuals received, that could help explain the disparities, so we are still left with the question of why they exist.”

Data also revealed “Blacks had not caught up to whites in surviving early-onset CRC” over a 20-year span.

“Survival for Blacks diagnosed from 2003 to 2013 remained even lower than for whites diagnosed a decade earlier,” said Dr. Zaki.

Scientists believe there are reasons for racial and ethnic healthcare disparities. These reasons may include “employment, insurance status, income and education level, behaviors (e.g., tobacco, alcohol, diet), environment (e.g., rural or urban), social support and cultural factors.”

“With recommendations now that CRC screening start at age 45 versus 50, one concern is whether health disparities will worsen as a result,” Dr. Zaki told MedicalXpress. “If more are screened who have the means and inclination to do so — but we fail to make progress in other populations — we could see these gaps widening.”

Don’t Delay Colon Cancer Screening

Healthcare agencies recommend CRC screenings begin at age 45 for those at average risk for the disease. Individuals should be screened even if they don’t have symptoms. The five-year survival rate for CRC is about 90 percent when it is found at an early stage before it has spread.

In 2018, colon cancer screening prevalence was 9 percent lower among Hispanics than non-Hispanic white adults 45 years of age and older, according to the ACS.

Colonoscopy is the preferred method for screening because colon cancer can be both detected and removed during the same procedure. Other screenings can detect the presence of cancer cells or hidden blood in the stool, but a positive test result means a patient will need a follow-up colonoscopy.

Health insurance plans within the Affordable Care Act provide no-cost coverage for preventive and follow-up colonoscopy screenings. Contact your provider to determine your coverage.

If you do not have insurance, there are resources to learn about a low-cost or free colonoscopy. Some resources include the Colorectal Cancer Alliance Helpline, ColonoscopyAssist or your state’s health and human services or department of health.

Patients who are at high risk for colon cancer may need to be screened before age 45. In addition, patients with digestive symptoms should seek medical attention regardless of age. Colonoscopy should always be the screening test of choice for those who have any of the following:

  • Previous CRC diagnosis
  • History of adenomas
  • Inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
  • Family history of colon cancer or certain types of polyps
  • Inherited colon cancer syndrome (e.g., Lynch Syndrome)

It is important to discuss CRC risks and symptoms with your family and doctor. It is also important to get screened. Both may save your life or the life of a loved one. If you have a family history of colon cancer, or you are experiencing digestive symptoms, call a GI specialist today. Search for a gastroenterologist in your area.

Clinical Trial Offers Hope for Rectal Cancer Patients

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Breakthrough results in a recent phase II clinical trial offer patients with rectal cancer hope for a cure.

The small study was conducted at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City.

A dozen patients were given the checkpoint inhibitor dostarlimab (Jemperli) intravenously every three weeks for six months.

The clinical trial investigated “if immunotherapy alone could beat rectal cancer that had not spread to other tissues.”

Researchers report 100 percent of the patients experienced remission of rectal cancer.

“In every case, the rectal cancer disappeared after immunotherapy … and the cancer has not returned in any of the patients, who have been cancer-free for up to two years,” according to the center’s online post.

None of the patients underwent standard treatment options — radiation, surgery or chemotherapy.

Their tumors were closely tracked, “using imaging, visualization such as endoscopy, as well other methods,” said researcher Luis Alberto Diaz, MD.

The study participants had unique criteria. All patients in the trial were required to have stage two or stage three rectal tumors that contained a specific genetic mutation. This mutation is known as mismatch repair-deficient (MMRd) or microsatellite instability (MSI).

These criteria made their cancer particularly sensitive to immunotherapy, according to the center.

About 45,000 Americans are diagnosed each year with rectal cancer. Between 5 and 10 percent of all rectal cancer patients are thought to have MMRd tumors, according to the center.

Results of the trial were published in the New England Journal of Medicine in June.

Cancer Immunotherapy Effective in Study

“Our first duty is to save our patient’s life,” said researcher Andrea Cerek, MD, in the center’s report.

A second goal was to preserve patients’ quality of life. Rectal cancer patients who undergo surgery, radiation and chemotherapy can have severe side effects. They can suffer bowel and bladder dysfunction, incontinence, infertility and sexual dysfunction.

As an alternative cancer treatment, “immunotherapy harnesses the body’s own immune system as an ally against cancer,” according to the center.

Follow-up will be needed to determine if these results are long lasting.

“This approach, if the results are confirmed, holds out the hope of cure without the need for potentially toxic therapy and the need to tolerate long-term negative treatment consequences in order to achieve a cure,” said Dr. Diaz at the 2022 American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting.

The cancer center plans to continue the research study — ultimately enrolling 30 patients.

Hanna K. Sanoff, MD, MPH, at the University of North Carolina Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, commented on the results: “These initial findings of the remarkable benefit with the use of dostarlimab are very encouraging but also need to be viewed with caution until the results can be replicated in a larger and more diverse population” (Medical Xpress).

Don’t Delay Colorectal Cancer Screening

In the United States, colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second-leading cause of cancer death.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates more than 150,000 individuals will be diagnosed with colon and rectal cancer in 2022. More than 52,000 will die from the disease this year, according to the ACS.

CRC is one of the most preventable cancers through timely screenings. The disease often begins as a growth, called a polyp, inside the colon or rectum, according to the National Cancer Institute.

Many screening methods are available for CRC, but a colonoscopy is the gold standard. It is the only screening that can both detect and even prevent CRC. During a colonoscopy, a doctor can find and remove polyps in the colon (large intestine) or rectum before they become cancerous.

Leading health agencies now recommend screenings starting at age 45, not 50, for all individuals at average risk. People at high risk or a family history of CRC should be screened earlier.

Most health insurance plans cover colonoscopy as a preventive screening. Many plans now also cover colonoscopy as a follow-up screening to evaluate a positive stool-based test. Patients should check with their insurance company about this coverage.

If you have a positive stool-based test result, a follow-up colonoscopy is critical for your health.

The five-year survival rate is about 90 percent when CRC is found at an early stage before it has spread. Our doctors perform colonoscopy screenings at outpatient surgery centers around the country. Use our Locator Tool to find a GI specialist in your area.

Some People Living With Obesity Avoid Cancer Screenings

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Quality cancer screenings save the lives of millions of patients every year. Colonoscopy is the gold standard of colon cancer screening tests. It is the only procedure that can both detect and prevent colon cancer.

Because they fear their doctors’ judgment, some people who are overweight or obese skip life-saving cancer screening tests. They may avoid care or switch healthcare providers because of “stigmatizing experiences and poor communication with doctors.

British researchers published the report online in Obesity Science and Practice.

Delaying or avoiding cancer screenings like colonoscopy may be detrimental to a person’s health.

“The fear of being stigmatized may prevent people living with obesity from accessing cancer screening services, which are vital to early diagnosis and favorable outcomes,” said lead researcher Yitka Graham in MedicalXpress.

Excess Weight Increases Colon Cancer Risk

Excess weight increases the risk of developing 12 types of cancer, including colon cancer. So, timely screenings are crucial for early diagnosis and prevention.

“Getting recommended cancer screenings is critically important for people with obesity, who may be at a higher risk for some cancers,” Kristen Sullivan told Medical Xpress. Sullivan is the director of nutrition and physical activity at the American Cancer Society (ACS).

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 650 million adults worldwide are obese. If you weigh more than what is considered healthy for a given height, you are considered overweight or obese. Body Mass Index is a person’s weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters. A high BMI can indicate being overweight (BMI 25-<30) or obese (BMI >30).

In the report, women with higher BMIs were less likely to be screened for cervical cancer. Men who were overweight or obese were less likely to be screened for colon cancer, according to the report.

Reasons given for not getting screened included “embarrassment, negative body image and trouble with imaging equipment.

Graham said doctors need to encourage people to access cancer screening services without fear of stigma or judgment. Graham is head of the Helen McArdle Nursing and Care Research Institute at the University of Sunderland in the United Kingdom.

“This has implications for early clinical interventions needed to diagnose, assess and treat common cancers, with the consequence of potential adverse outcomes and increased cancer mortality for those living with obesity,” Graham told MedicalXpress.

Don’t Delay Colon Cancer Screening

Individuals who are overweight or living with obesity risk their health when they avoid recommended colon cancer screenings.

The number of colorectal cancer cases has been increasing in adults ages 40-54 since the 1990s. Recently, healthcare agencies recommended that screenings begin at age 45 for people at average risk for the disease. Anyone with a family history of colon cancer or polyps should be screened earlier. People with digestive symptoms should consult their physician regardless of age.

In 2020, about 12 percent of all cases of colorectal cancer occurred in individuals younger than 50, according to the ACS. Patients diagnosed before age 50 were more likely to have advanced disease at diagnosis.

By 2030, it is estimated that 10.9 percent of all colon cancers and 22.9 percent of all rectal cancers will affect patients younger than 50.

Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in the United States. With screenings starting at 45, the ACS reports that 60 percent of colon cancer fatalities could be prevented.

No matter your weight, if you are 45 or older, don’t delay colon cancer screening. Be proactive and take the first step by finding a doctor at one of our centers.

Being Taller May Increase the Risk of Colon Cancer

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Did you know that factors like height could influence your colon cancer risk? According to a meta-analysis by Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, taller people are more likely than shorter people to develop colon cancer or colon polyps.

This is not the first study investigating a possible association between taller height and colon cancer. However, previous studies produced inconsistent results and did not include the risk of precancerous polyps called adenomas.

Body Organ Size May Influence Colon Cancer Risk

What is it about height that can make an individual more susceptible to colon cancer? It seems that taller stature means body organs tend to be larger.

“More active proliferation in organs of taller people could increase the possibility of mutations leading to malignant transformation,” said Elinor Zhou, MD, co-first author of the study.

How Much Difference Does Height Make in Colon Cancer Risk?

The Johns Hopkins study found that individuals in the highest percentile of height had a 24 percent higher risk of developing colon cancer than individuals in the lowest percentile for height.Individuals increased their risk for colon cancer by 14 percent for every four-inch increase in height.

To put these statistics in more understandable terms, the average American male is five feet, nine inches tall, and the average American female is five feet, four inches tall (CDC). Men who are six feet, one inch tall and women who are five feet, eight inches tall are 14 percent more likely to develop colon cancer and 6 percent more likely to develop adenomas.

What Are Common Risk Factors for Colon Cancer?

Height is only one of many variables in whether an individual will develop colon cancer. There are two categories of risk factors for colon cancer: modifiable and non-modifiable. Non-modifiable risk factors are risk factors that you cannot change, such as the following:

 

  • Age
  • Family history of colon polyps or colon cancer
  • Personal history of inflammatory bowel disease

 

Modifiable risk factors are risk factors that you can control through lifestyle choices. These include the following:

 

  • Unhealthy eating habits
  • High consumption of red meat and processed meat
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Smoking and alcohol usage

 

Gastroenterologists look at non-modifiable risk factors when recommending colon cancer screenings. However, it is important to consider lifestyle choices when assessing colon cancer risk.

Begin Colonoscopy Screenings at Age 45

Colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in the United States, and family history causes only about 20 percent of diagnoses. Your lifetime risk for colon cancer is about 5 percent (or one in 20). The good news is that most cases of colon cancer are preventable with routine colonoscopies beginning at age 45. It is also important to report any digestive symptoms that may signal colon cancer to your doctor, regardless of age.

A colonoscopy allows your doctor to inspect the entire colon and remove precancerous polyps before they develop into cancer. It’s the only colon cancer screening that can prevent colon cancer, and that’s why it’s known as the gold standard.

Find a Gastroenterologist in Your Area

Have you been putting off scheduling a colonoscopy? Life is busy, but nothing is more important than good health. Simply enter your zip code here to locate a center near you. Then, call today to make an appointment for a colon cancer screening.

IBD Patients Could Benefit From More Frequent Colonoscopy Screenings

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Everyone is at risk for colon cancer, but certain risk factors and conditions can increase the likelihood of developing the disease. One condition that can increase the risk of colon cancer is inflammatory bowel disease.

What Is Inflammatory Bowel Disease?

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a general term that describes chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. There are two types of IBD:

  • Ulcerative colitis — a chronic condition that causes inflammation of the colon
  • Crohn’s disease — a chronic condition that affects the digestive tract lining. Patients with Crohn’s disease may have healthy parts of the intestine as well as inflamed regions in both the small and large bowel.

Patients with IBD experience an increased risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) than those who do not have IBD. For example, patients with IBD have a seven percent increase in colorectal cancer risk after 30 years of disease (Crohns and Colitis Foundation).

How Often Should IBD Patients Have a Colonoscopy?

A new study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology evaluated how varying colonoscopy intervals affected colon cancer outcomes in patients with IBD. The study examined how different colonoscopy intervals affected outcomes such as:

  • Stage at the time of detection
  • Colon cancer treatment
  • Reducing mortality

The study results found patients with IBD who had a colonoscopy every one to three years were less likely to be diagnosed with advanced colon cancer.

“Colonoscopy within three years prior to colon cancer diagnosis compared with no colonoscopy was less likely to be diagnosed with late tumor stage,” said Hun-seok Kim, MD, MPH, of Baylor College of Medicine. “Colonoscopy within one year was associated with lower all-cause mortality than no colonoscopy. Our findings support the use of surveillance colonoscopy to improve CRC outcomes in IBD patients” (Healio).

Colonoscopy Protects Against Colon Cancer

Although there are many screenings for colon cancer, colonoscopy is the gold standard. It is the only test that allows a doctor to detect and remove pre-cancerous polyps in the same procedure. Because IBD increases colon cancer risk, patients with IBD need to schedule a colonoscopy at recommended intervals.

Experts estimate that 60 to 90 percent of colon cancer deaths could be prevented if everyone 45 years of age and older had a routine colonoscopy.

Schedule a Colonoscopy at Age 45

Did you know that the recommended age for colon cancer screening was recently lowered from age 50 to 45? Many people believe that colonoscopy is expensive, painful or time-consuming, but these assumptions are myths. Thanks to new technology and state-of-the-art equipment, your screening can be affordable and pain free, and you only need to miss one day of work.

Find a Gastroenterologist in Your Area

Don’t delay in scheduling your colonoscopy. We can help you find a fellowship-trained gastroenterologist in your local area. Simply enter your zip code here to locate a GI doctor near you.  Colonoscopies are life-saving procedures, so call today and make an appointment for a screening.

New Guidance Benefits Patients

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In the United States, colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer death and one of the most preventable through timely screenings.

Many screening methods are available for CRC, but a colonoscopy is the gold standard because it is the only one that can both detect and even prevent colon cancer.

After consulting with their physicians, however, some people at average risk choose a stool-based test to screen for colon cancer. Stool-based tests include the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) and stool-DNA test (Cologuard).

It is important to note that if you have a positive stool-based test result, a follow-up colonoscopy is critical for your health. You are twice as likely to develop advanced colon cancer if you skip your follow-up colonoscopy. During this procedure, the doctor will examine your entire colon and remove precancerous polyps.

In the past, many patients were required to pay out of pocket for this follow-up procedure. However, new federal guidance will soon require health insurance to fully cover the cost of a follow-up colonoscopy to evaluate a positive stool-based test.

“This guidance will help ensure that patients can choose the test that is best for them without worrying about out-of-pocket costs,” Anjee Davis, MPPA, president of Fight Colorectal Cancer told MedicalXpress. “Ultimately, this will save lives and support early detection of colorectal cancer.”

This new coverage is for plan or policy years beginning on or after May 31, 2022. Patients should check with their policyholder about this coverage.

“Ensuring individuals have access to this lifesaving screening will significantly reduce suffering and death from this disease,” Lisa Lacasse, president of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), told MedicalXpress.

45 Is the New 50 for Colon Cancer Screening

In 2020, the American Cancer Society (ACS) reported that about 12 percent of all cases of CRC occurred in individuals younger than 50. Patients diagnosed prior to age 50 were more likely to have advanced disease at diagnosis.

Because of this increase in young-onset colon cancer, leading health organizations now recommend screenings starting at age 45, not 50, for all average-risk individuals.

About 60 percent of all colon cancer fatalities in the United States could be prevented if every man and woman 45 or older chose to be screened for colon cancer, according to the ACS.

Prioritize Your Colon Cancer Screening

If you are 45 or older, don’t delay your colorectal cancer diagnosis. When CRC is found at an early stage before it has spread, the five-year survival rate is about 90 percent.

Most health insurance plans under the Affordable Care Act now cover colonoscopy as a preventive screening test for CRC in patients 45 and older.

“This year alone, the American Cancer Society estimates more than 150,000 individuals will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer and more than 52,000 will die from the disease. But colorectal cancer is preventable when precancerous polyps are found and removed through a colonoscopy,” Lacasse told MedicalXpress.

Our 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.