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Alcohol Increases Risk of Colon Polyps, Colon Cancer

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Many people like to have a drink or two to unwind after a long day. Some enjoy having a drink to welcome the weekend while others don’t need any reason at all.

The truth is, for those of us who drink alcohol, consumption can add up quickly. We might just be drinking more than we realize – completely unaware that we are increasing our risk of cancer. The World Health Organization says as many as 25 percent of cancers worldwide may be attributable to alcohol consumption.

Unless you completely abstain from drinking, every alcoholic beverage you consume affects your cancer risk and overall health.

April is Alcohol Awareness Month, an opportunity to increase our understanding of alcoholism, its causes, effective treatment and recovery. Take a few moments to consider your consumption of alcohol and evaluate the role it plays in your lifestyle.

Alcohol Consumption is a Leading Risk Factor for Colon Cancer

According to a survey by the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR), 4 in 10 Americans are unaware of how alcohol affects their cancer risk. Consuming alcohol (even at low levels) increases your risk of developing several different types of cancer, including cancers of the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, breast, liver and rectum. Alcohol use is one of the leading risk factors for colon cancer because it increases the likelihood of polyp development in the colon lining.

How Alcohol Aids in Colon Polyp Production

When your body metabolizes alcohol, it breaks down into acetaldehyde, a carcinogen. Acetaldehyde can damage DNA in colon cells and cause mutations that increase your risk for polyps. All polyps are benign when they form, but they have the potential to become cancerous if they are not detected and removed during a colonoscopy.

How Much Alcohol is Safe

Your risk of developing alcohol-related colon cancer is driven by the total amount you consume per day. If you drink an average of three and a half drinks per day (about 50 grams of alcohol), you are increasing your risk for developing colon cancer by 50 percent compared to light drinkers or non-drinkers.

Recently, binge drinking has become a widespread problem, especially for older women. The AICR found that 1 in 10 adults is a heavy binge drinker, consuming excessive amounts of alcohol. This is defined by four drinks per day for women and five drinks per day for men, at one time (source: U.S. News Health).

The AICR recommends limiting alcohol consumption to no more than two drinks per day for men and one per day for women. The problem is that actual serving sizes of alcohol don’t always correspond to the measurements researchers use when conducting studies.

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism says a standard alcoholic drink in the U.S. has 14 grams (0.6 ounces) of pure alcohol. That’s equivalent to a 12-ounce beer, a 5-ounce glass of wine or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof spirits. So be mindful about the volume of each alcoholic drink you consume.

If you are a heavy drinker or binge drinker, it is not too late to get help. Make an appointment with your doctor for support and resources and talk to a trusted family member or friend for accountability as you begin your journey toward better health. You can also visit the Alcoholics Anonymous website for information about alcohol support groups.

Colonoscopy Helps Prevent Colon Cancer

Currently, colon cancer is the third-leading cause of cancer death among men and women in the United States, but it is preventable with routine colonoscopies.

A colonoscopy is the best screening method for colon cancer because it allows a gastroenterologist to view the entire colon with a lighted scope called a colonoscope. If any polyps are found during the procedure, the doctor will remove them, so they do not develop into cancer.

It’s estimated that between 60 to 90 percent of colon cancer deaths could be prevented if everyone over 50 chose to have a colonoscopy, but studies show that 1 in 3 adults are not current on their screenings.

Click here to be connected with a board-certified gastroenterologist in your area. You don’t need to go to a hospital to have your procedure, either. You can schedule your colonoscopy at one of our free-standing ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs). An ASC has many benefits like a smaller environment, shorter wait times, hassle-free parking, personal service and, best of all, lower cost to you.

You may be eligible for a free screening colonoscopy. Take our Free Colonoscopy Quiz and find out more details.

How Do I Know If It’s Colon Cancer or Hemorrhoids?

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Certain ailments like arthritis or back pain can be discussed at the dinner table without offending anyone. But you can’t get away with talking about hemorrhoids or colorectal cancer. These two conditions are definitely taboo when it comes to mealtime conversation.

We definitely need to create an environment that allows for open discussion about hemorrhoids and colon cancer because they are common occurrences and they are often confused for one another. Five percent of the American population will develop colon cancer during their lifetime, and 4.4 percent of Americans are affected by hemorrhoids. Let’s discuss the similarities and differences between hemorrhoids and colon cancer so you can easily differentiate between the two.

Hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels in the anal and rectal wall. When the rectal veins and surrounding tissues become inflamed, they often enlarge and protrude. Hemorrhoids can be either internal or external, but both types may bleed. If left untreated, hemorrhoids could cause anemia, infection, itching, anal spasm, increased pain, ulceration, abdominal pain, and discomfort when sitting down or lying down.

Specific conditions or activities can cause hemorrhoids to develop, and these same circumstances may aggravate existing hemorrhoids and cause flare-ups:

  • Pregnancy
  • Age
  • Stress
  • Sedentary work and lack of exercise
  • Constipation and straining
  • Lifting heavy objects
  • Spicy food

Unfortunately, I became well-acquainted with hemorrhoids when I was pregnant with my four kids. Pregnancy brought on new sets of aches and pains I had never experienced before, and hemorrhoids were some of the worst discomfort I felt. Hemorrhoids can be classified as mildly annoying to extremely painful. I guess the only good thing about hemorrhoids is that they often go away when the source of pressure and stress are no longer present—which for me was after the delivery of each baby. So, although hemorrhoids may inconvenience you or limit your activity level, they are generally not considered harmful and are certainly not fatal. Some easy ways to prevent hemorrhoids are to avoid lifting heavy objects, exercise regularly, eat a high-fiber diet and avoid straining when using the restroom. Sometimes hemorrhoids are unavoidable, but you can try to prevent flare-ups that will cause them to become worse.

Colorectal cancer can also cause rectal bleeding or blood in the stool, but it is from an entirely different source. The bleeding is from a malignant tumor in the colon or the rectum. Colorectal cancer begins with a small cluster of benign cells called a polyp. If the polyp is not removed during a colonoscopy, it can develop into cancer. Symptoms of colorectal cancer may include:

  • Thin, pencil-like stools
  • Blood in the stool, or dark tarry stools
  • Changes in bowel habits such as diarrhea or constipation
  • Weight loss and extreme fatigue
  • Abdominal pain, cramping, and possible nausea and vomiting
  • Full feeling in the abdomen

Unlike hemorrhoids, colon cancer claims the lives of thousands of Americans each year. In fact, it is the third-leading cause of cancer death among men and women. Colorectal cancers are most often diagnosed in individuals over the age of 50, but young onset colorectal cancer incidence is rapidly increasing. This disease is also unique in that family history and syndromes like familial adenomatous polyposis and hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer can also contribute to your risk. The best way to prevent colorectal cancer or decrease your risk for the disease is to eat a high-fiber, low-fat diet, exercise regularly, avoid smoking, limit your alcohol intake, and get screened regularly for colon cancer. Most adults who are at average risk for colorectal cancer are eligible for a screening colonoscopy at age 50, but get screened earlier if you are at higher risk for the disease.

Because of the serious nature of colorectal cancer, it is extremely important that you make an appointment with your doctor right away if you experience rectal bleeding, abdominal pain or changes in bowel habits. Hemorrhoids and colorectal cancer have often been mistaken for each other and misdiagnosed, so don’t take any chances. A doctor will be able to help you get relief if you have hemorrhoids or will refer you to a gastroenterologist if you need a colon screening.

 

Related Article:

Hemorrhoids vs. Colon Cancer

Get Movin’! Run a 5K for Colon Cancer Awareness

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Colorectal cancer touches the lives of countless people each year. Maybe you’ve been personally affected, or perhaps you have a family member or friend with the disease.

March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month, and what better time to get movin’ than to join a 5K charity race. All across the U.S. you will find races hosted by national and local charities with the aim to support colon cancer patients and survivors, raise funds for screening, research, and awareness projects, and provide funds to fight and treat the disease. Your participation not only benefits these charitable organizations, but it will also enhance your own physical fitness.

Running and walking both offer significant health benefits from the physical to the mental and emotional. Both forms of exercise have been shown to reduce the risk of breast and colon cancers, heart disease, and diabetes, lower blood pressure, regulate blood sugar levels, and release endorphins to improve mood and alleviate stress. While running does burn more calories and work the cardiovascular system more than walking, both strengthen the body and improve overall health. A win-win!

Whether you choose to walk or run, here are some tips to finding and getting involved in a 5K race near you.

Find a 5K race. National and local charities host annual 5K runs. Do a quick Google search or use Active.com, and type in “5K” and “colon cancer” in the search engine to find a race near you. Here are a few of the more popular 5K races in the U.S.:

Get a partner or organize a team. Find like-minded individuals to commit to running or walking with you and sign up.

Start training. If you want to run but have never run a 5K before, I highly recommend the Couch to 5K running program. You run 3 days a week for 20-30 minutes, and in 9 weeks, you’re ready to run 3.1 miles at a decent pace. If you plan to walk, you will still want to be physically fit to walk the entire distance. Set aside time each week to exercise, so you are able to finish the race.

Get out there on race day, and do your best!

Even if you don’t win first place, your participation will impact lives, including your own. Remember the real reason why you’re running: to give back to your community and help spread awareness about colorectal cancer. Get your body movin’ and find a 5K race today!

Early Signs of Colon Cancer

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For many people, being diagnosed with colon cancer can come as a great shock. Colon cancer patients often claim to feel completely normal at time of diagnosis, so being presented with the knowledge that they have cancer is unsettling to say the least. Colon cancer can develop painlessly and without symptoms. This is not the case with everyone, however.  Here are some of the most common symptoms of colon cancer.

Bleeding

Tumors are often associated with bleeding because, at the beginning stages of growth, their blood vessels are fragile. As a tumor develops, it becomes more invasive and may grow into a nearby blood vessel and cause bleeding. A cancerous polyp may bleed only a small amount of blood that is not even visible to the eye. As the polyp grows into a tumor, there may be evidence of blood in the stool or rectal bleeding.

Anemia

Anemia is a shortage of red blood cells, the cells that carry oxygen to all areas of the body. An intestinal bleed can cause anemia, with side effects of tiredness and sluggishness. Because the lethargy is associated with a lack of oxygenated red blood cells and not a lack of sleep, additional rest will not help. Severe anemia can cause light-headedness and even fainting.

Abdominal pain or cramping

As the colon tumor grows, it can create an obstruction in the bowel. If the tumor grows large enough to make a blockage, it can also cause nausea and vomiting.

Change in bowel habits

If the tumor is creating an obstruction in the bowel, there may be a change in the appearance or frequency of the stool. Colon cancer is often associated with thin, pencil-like stools and with bouts of constipation or diarrhea. The stool can also appear black or tarry, due to the internal bleeding from the growth (Source: Patient).

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, call your doctor and make an appointment. Colon cancer is highly treatable when diagnosed in the early stages, and it is preventable with regular colonoscopies. Knowing the symptoms of colon cancer and scheduling routine screenings is the best defense against colon cancer.

Hey Doc, What’s Your ADR?

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When you go to your gastroenterologist for your first colonoscopy, you probably assume that he or she will be asking all the questions and that you will provide the answers. You can safely assume that your gastroenterologist will ask questions regarding your diet, level of physical activity, family history, and whether you are experiencing any symptoms related to your GI health. But there are some important questions that you should ask your gastroenterologist as well.

The #1 Question is…

The most important question that you should ask your gastroenterologist is, “What is your adenoma detection rate (>ADR)?” Adenomas are precancerous polyps that your physician will identify and remove during your colonoscopy. ADR is the proportion of individuals undergoing a complete screening colonoscopy who have one or more adenomas, or polyps, detected. Your gastroenterologist’s ADR will differ between men and women, so look for an ADR of at least 25 percent for male patients and 15 percent for female patients. Remember, the purpose of scheduling a screening colonoscopy is to prevent colon cancer, so you want a physician with a high adenoma detection rate. This means that he or she is locating and removing precancerous polyps from a higher percentage of patients.

Don’t Be Shy in Asking

You may feel like you are being too bold in asking for numbers and percentages from your gastroenterologist, but asking about ADR is extremely common and even necessary. ADR is a quality measure that distinguishes the best gastroenterologists in the profession, so your physician should be proud to share his or her ADR. You also should inquire about average withdrawal time. This refers to the amount of time that it takes for your gastroenterologist to remove the colonoscope after reaching the beginning of the colon called the cecum. High ADRs are usually associated with a longer withdrawal time, so look for a withdrawal time of at least six minutes.

Polyps that are left in the colon will grow and can develop into colon cancer. ADR and withdrawal time are two quality measures that should matter to you in ensuring that your physician views and removes precancerous polyps and lesions. You can do your part by reading and following the bowel preparation instructions to the letter so your colon is completely empty for the colonoscopy. A high ADR, longer withdrawal time and a complete bowel flush are the three most important components for a quality colon screening (Source: Advocate Health Care E-News).

Essential Oils and Cancer

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Essential oils and aromatherapy are all the rage now. Oils are used to treat conditions such as stress, stomach upset and congestion. Some people just like the aroma of essential oils in their homes. Now, studies show that essential oils may be effective in treating and preventing cancer.

All of us have some chromosomal aberrations, but a healthy body can effectively remove these cells. If you are not caring for your body, the malformed cells can multiply and develop into cancer. Certain essential oils can help disable cancer cells but leave healthy cells unharmed. Like a SWAT team on a special mission, essential oils can destroy cancerous cells without severe side effects.

Thyme has been used for cooking, medicine, embalming, and even to fend off bad dreams. A Swiss study from 2010 shows that thyme can help kill breast cancer cells, prostate cancer cells and lung cancer cells. Most likely, the active compound thymol is responsible for destroying cancer cells.

Rosemary is an aromatic herb used for pest control, cooking, gardening, and perfumes. This herb has some wonderful antioxidant properties that protect against free radicals and can cause the death of healthy cells. Some recent studies also show that rosemary has anti-tumor properties in the colon, breast liver, stomach, skin, and blood!

Oregano, native to the Mediterranean, is actually part of the mint family. The oil of oregano contains carnosol and has some of the same properties as rosemary. Oregano essential oil has the ability to stop the growth of colon cancer cells and kills selective cancer cells. It is also effective against prostate, breast and skin cancers.

Chamomile, an ancient herb, is used for many ailments such as inflammation, gastrointestinal disorders and hemorrhoids. Chamomile essential oil is much more potent than chamomile tea and can be therapeutic in breast, skin, ovarian, and prostate cancer.

Frankincense is made from the resin or sap of the Boswellia tree in Asia and the Middle East. It has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect on cells. Essential oil from frankincense is effective in fighting tumor development and is especially potent against bladder cancer.

Although chemotherapy and radiation are effective in treating and reducing tumors, there is much to be said for holistic medicine and non-invasive treatments. Essential oils have many healing and nourishing properties because they contain antioxidants and beneficial compounds that are natural. Research some of these essential oils and talk to your doctor to see if they will be helpful to you (Source: The Alternative Daily).

Lack of Colon Cancer Symptoms Does Not Mean Colon Cancer-Free

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Let’s take a little quiz to see how familiar you are with the symptoms of common illnesses:

  1. Muscle and joint aches, headache, dry cough, sore throat, runny nose, fatigue, pain around the eyes, fever.
  2. Sneezing, runny nose, tiredness, congestion, cough.
  3. Throat pain, swollen tonsils, spots on the back of the mouth, tender lymph nodes, fever, painful swallowing.
  4. Ear pain, difficulty hearing, loss of balance, irritability, trouble sleeping, loss of appetite.

How did you do? If you chose: influenza, common cold, strep throat and middle ear infection, you are exactly right! Many health conditions have recognizable symptoms to help us know what type of treatment we need to begin the healing process. Other sicknesses and diseases are more covert and may not have warning signs at all. Colon cancer is one example of a disease that may not have any associated symptoms until the disease has progressed to an advanced stage. This is quite problematic, as colon cancer is the third-leading cause of cancer death in the United States.

Although this may be unsettling news, we do not all need to live in fear of developing colon cancer. There are some patterns that often go along with colon cancer. For example, family history plays a more important role in colon cancer development than was previously thought. If colon cancer runs in your family, you should talk to your doctor about the possibility of getting screened earlier. This is especially true if you have a first-degree relative with colon cancer.

Other diseases and conditions, such as diabetes, large body mass index, irritable bowel disease (IBD), and hereditary conditions like familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and Lynch syndrome, can put you at higher risk for colon cancer. Lifestyle choices also play an important role in colon cancer development. Smoking, alcohol use, eating a high-fat/low-fiber diet, and a sedentary lifestyle can all contribute to colon disease.

Colon cancer does eventually cause very specific symptoms, but this often means that the disease has been progressing for some time already. Pay attention to your body and look for warning signs, such as persistent abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, blood in the stool, black or tarry stools, thin pencil-like stools, chronic constipation and/or diarrhea or vomiting. If you or a loved one experience any of these symptoms, don’t delay in calling your doctor and scheduling an appointment.

Remember, a lack of symptoms does not provide assurance that your colon is in good health. Be active in your own healthcare. Know your family history, pay attention to changes in your bowel habits, be aware of exacerbating conditions, make good lifestyle choices, and memorize the warning signs of colon cancer. Most importantly, schedule regular colonoscopies beginning at the age of 50 (or earlier if you are African American and/or have a family history colon cancer). This disease may not be as easy to diagnose as the flu or the common cold, but you can equip yourself with knowledge about colon cancer incidence and prevention! If you do not currently have a licensed specialist to perform your colonoscopy, use our physician locator to find a qualified physician in your area.

Position Matters for Polyp Detection!

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What is your favorite sleeping position? Are you a back sleeper, side sleeper or belly sleeper? Researchers have analyzed sleeping positions for years to determine what position delivers the best breathing, quality rest and pain relief. Side sleepers comprise the largest group, according to a study by the Sleep Assessment and Advisory Service in London, equaling almost 41 percent of men and women. Side sleeping offers some of the best health benefits like minimizing back and hip pain and even reducing snoring (Source: Spry Living).

Did you know that there is a best position for a colonoscopy? A study published in the September 2015 issue of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy found that when patients were positioned on their left side while the right side of their colons were examined, there was a higher polyp detection rate.

The study examined 130 patients between the ages of 40 and 80 who had a diagnostic colonoscopy between March 2012 and February 2014. Patients were placed in the supine position (on their backs) for the exam, followed by repositioning to their left side to examine the right side of the colon, or to their right side to examine the left side of the colon.

The data was clear that when patients were positioned on their left side, more polyps were detected compared to when they were in supine position. For patients who were positioned on the right, polyp detection rates were similar to rates when they were in supine position.

Why would the body’s position affect the polyp detection rate of the doctor? The authors of the study point out that changing position of the body could make certain portions of the colon more clearly visible and allow for optimal viewing. Even though the newly detected polyps were small, a physician may recommend more frequent colonoscopies in the future. Subsequently, the colonoscopy becomes an even stronger examination for surveillance and colon cancer prevention (Source: Outpatient Surgery).

What are Colon Polyps?

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Colon cancer affects 1 in 20 Americans, and it all begins with a tiny polyp. Small clumps of cells, called polyps, begin to form on the lining of the colon. Usually, these cells are benign, but many polyps can develop into cancer if they are not removed. If left to develop, colon polyps can advance into colon cancer and spread throughout the body.

Although most cases of colon cancer occur in individuals above the age of 50, anyone at any age can develop a polyp. There are specific risk factors that increase the risk for developing polyps. Some of these risk factors are:

  • Family history of colon cancer
  • Personal history of colon polyps
  • Obesity
  • Smoking
  • Age—over 50 years of age

There are three types of colon polyps:

  1. Adenomatous. About 66 percent of all polyps are adenomatous. Only a small percentage of polyps become cancerous, but most all malignant polyps are adenomatous.
  2. Serrated. These polyps may become cancerous depending on their size and location in the colon.
  3. Inflammatory. These polyps may result from a flare-up of ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease. People who have these two types of IBD are at increased risk for developing colorectal cancer someday.

One of the most important facts to remember about colon polyps is that they do not cause pain. Most often, colon polyps do not have any associated symptoms, so it is important to have regular colon screenings. If everything goes smoothly at your colonoscopy, you will not have to worry about scheduling another procedure for ten years! If you have not scheduled a colonoscopy and you are due for a screening, you can Find a Screening Center near you today!

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

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With the help of Web MD, it is a temptation to research every ailment and self-diagnose. Health websites can be a helpful resource, but they can also encourage us to jump to conclusions. Two conditions that can often be mistaken for one another are colorectal cancer and hemorrhoids. Both conditions are common among Americans. One in every 20 Americans (5 percent) will develop colon cancer in his or her lifetime, and about 4.4 percent of Americans are affected by hemorrhoids (Source: Live Science).

Even though colorectal cancer and hemorrhoids may have some similar symptoms such as blood in the stool, their treatments are quite different. Here are a few characteristics of each condition.

Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is a malignant tumor in the colon or the rectum. Most cases of colorectal cancer begin as small clusters of benign cells called polyps, but they can develop into cancer if they are not removed during a colonoscopy. Symptoms of colorectal cancer may include:

  • Stools that are not round in shape but are thinner and pencil-like.
  • Anal tenesmus, or the feeling of constantly needing to pass stool.
  • Changes in bowel habits such as diarrhea and constipation.
  • Weight loss and fatigue.
  • Abdominal pain, cramping, and possible nausea and vomiting.

Colorectal cancers are most often diagnosed in individuals over the age of 50 (although young onset colon cancer incidence is increasing). Family history and syndromes like familial adenomatous polyposis and hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer can also contribute to colorectal cancer risk.

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels in the anal and rectal wall. When the vessels and surrounding tissues become inflamed, they often enlarge and protrude. Hemorrhoids can be either internal or external, but both types may produce bleeding. If left untreated, hemorrhoids could cause anemia, infection, anal spasm, increased pain, ulceration, abdominal pain, and discomfort when sitting down or lying down. External hemorrhoids may prolapse and cause increased irritation and itching.

Hemorrhoids are generally caused by specific conditions or activities. Several circumstances or habits may cause hemorrhoids such as:

  • Pregnancy
  • Stress
  • Sedentary work and lack of exercise
  • Constipation and straining
  • Lifting heavy objects
  • Spicy food

Because colorectal cancer and hemorrhoids are common among Americans and they have similar symptoms in early stages, they can be mistaken for one another or misdiagnosed. If you experience any rectal bleeding or blood in the stool, call your doctor to schedule an appointment. Early detection means early treatment. For hemorrhoids, this means early relief and better health. For colorectal cancer, it could mean saving your life (Source: Vitality).