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45 and Living Healthy? Include a Colorectal Cancer Screening

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For years you have followed a checklist for a healthy lifestyle. Doctors would say you’re the picture of good health.

  • You eat the recommended daily allowance of whole grains, fruits and vegetables.
  • You avoid eating too much red meat and sugary foods and drinks.
  • You complete 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise each week.
  • You maintain a healthy weight.
  • You don’t smoke or drink alcohol.

You’ve checked all the boxes, but did you know you may still be at risk for a preventable disease?

“You can have the healthiest, fiber-rich diet and still get colorectal cancer,” said George J. Chang, MD, in Healio.

If you’re 45 or older, include a CRC screening in your healthy lifestyle checklist. It could save your life.

Colorectal Cancer Cases Rising in Younger People

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.

Colorectal cancer diagnosis in adults 40-49 has increased by nearly 15 percent in the past decade. About 18,000 people younger than 50 are diagnosed every year. That’s about 49 new cases of early-onset colorectal cancer per day.

Colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer death in men and the second-leading cause of cancer death in women younger than 50. This is according to new data released in mid-January by the ACS.

“In the late 1990s, colorectal cancer was the fourth leading cause of cancer death in both men and women in this age group,” according to the ACS.

“The continuous sharp increase in colorectal cancer in younger Americans is alarming,” said Ahmedin Jemal, DVM, PhD, ACS senior vice president of surveillance and health equity science, regarding the new data.

The reason for the increase in this disease among young adults is not clear. Experts speculate the cause could be changes in lifestyle habits that originated with individuals born around 1950.

“We need to halt and reverse this trend by increasing uptake of screening, including awareness of non-invasive stool tests with follow-up care, in people 45-49 years,” Dr. Jemal said.

Screenings Can Prevent CRC

Regular colon cancer screening is the most effective way to prevent colorectal cancer, even more so than diet or exercise.

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

“Up to one-third of people diagnosed before 50 have a family history or genetic predisposition and should begin screening before age 45 years,” Dr. Jemal said.

Several colorectal cancer screening options are available. Colonoscopy is the only screening method that can detect and prevent colorectal cancer.

CRC almost always begins with a polyp, a small cluster of cells in the lining of the colon (large intestine) or rectum.

During a colonoscopy, a gastroenterologist looks for polyps that are cancerous or may develop into cancer. Your doctor can remove any polyps in the same procedure.

Most insurance plans cover a colonoscopy for patients 45 and older. Call your health insurance company to confirm you are eligible for a screening colonoscopy.

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

The five-year relative survival rate is about 90 percent when CRC is found at an early stage, before it has spread to other organs.

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

Don’t Ignore Symptoms, Regardless of Your Age

“Younger people often shy away from talking about their bowel functions and, therefore, can delay getting medical attention,” said Dr. Chang, a professor and chair ad interim in Texas.

If you experience any of the following symptoms, do not ignore them. Instead, consult your healthcare provider immediately.

  • Abdominal pain
  • Blood in stool
  • Changes in bowel habits
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Unexplained anemia
  • Vomiting

“If they notice rectal bleeding, abdominal pain or change in bowel habits, these are clues that they should speak with their physician about the significance of these changes and should undergo colorectal cancer screening or at least a further workup of these symptoms,” said Seth A. Gross, MD, in Healio.

Regardless of your age, if you have digestive system symptoms, visit your doctor.

Many colorectal cancer cases have no symptoms or warning signs until the cancer has advanced. If you are 45 or older, getting screened is critical to detecting and even preventing colorectal cancer. If you need a doctor, we can help you find one near you. Our GI centers are located nationwide. Call today to make an appointment.

Resolve to Get Healthy. Get a Colon Cancer Screening.

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Kick off 2024 with a New Year’s resolution to lose weight, exercise and get a colon cancer screening.

Maintaining a healthy body weight and getting a colonoscopy may have greater health significance than you realize.

Being overweight is linked to a higher chance of developing at least 13 types of cancer, according to a recent Clinical Practice Statement by the Obesity Medicine Association (OMA).

Risk factors for colon and rectal cancer include being overweight or living with obesity, eating a high-fat diet and living a sedentary lifestyle.

Losing weight and increasing physical activity may help lower your risk of developing colorectal cancer (CRC).

Obesity Is Linked to Colon Cancer

Healthcare providers use Body Mass Index (BMI) and waist circumference as screening tools to assess a person’s weight status and its potential impact on disease risk.

  • If your BMI is 25.0 to 29.9, you fall within the overweight range.
  • If your BMI is 30.0 or higher, you fall within the obese range.

The CDC reports you have a higher risk of developing obesity-related conditions if you are …

  • A man whose waist circumference is more than 40 inches.
  • A non-pregnant woman whose waist circumference is more than 35 inches.

“Obesity is second only to cigarette smoking as the most common preventable cause of cancer,” the OMA reports. “For nonsmokers, obesity is considered the single most common preventable cause of cancer, especially when accompanied by unhealthful nutrition and physical inactivity.”

The OMA reports an increase in body weight may be contributing to an increase in cancer among young adults.

One in 260 people will get colon cancer before they turn 50, according to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance. This is called early-onset or young-onset CRC. By 2030, about 10.9 percent of all colon cancers and 22.9 percent of all rectal cancers will affect patients younger than 50.

“Among U.S. adults, the proportion of cancers attributable to excess body weight is at least 5 percent for men and 10 percent for women,” according to the OMA.

Maintain Or Achieve a Healthy Weight

One way to reduce your risk of colorectal cancer is to maintain a healthy weight.

“Although cancer has many risk factors, managing one’s weight effectively is an essential step in keeping that risk minimal,” writes Monu Khanna, MD, in Healio.

By making healthy lifestyle choices, like eating healthy foods and exercising, you can achieve a healthy weight.

According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025, a healthy eating plan …

  • Emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products.
  • Includes a variety of protein foods, such as seafood, lean meats and poultry, eggs, legumes (beans and peas), soy products, nuts and seeds.
  • Is low in added sugars, sodium, saturated fats, trans fats and cholesterol.
  • Stays within your daily calorie needs.

“Intentional weight loss of more than 5 percent of body weight has been associated with a lower risk for obesity-related cancers,” Dr. Khanna wrote in Healio.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise each week to maintain your weight. To lose pounds, you may need to exercise more and eat fewer calories. Consult your doctor before starting any weight loss or exercise programs.

“Being physically active can improve your brain health, reduce the risk of disease, strengthen bones and muscles, and improve your ability to do everyday activities,” according to the CDC.

45? It’s Time to Get Screened for Colon Cancer

More than any diet or exercise regimen, a screening offers the best prevention against colon cancer. Colorectal cancer screenings save thousands of lives every year.

For people at average risk for colon cancer, healthcare agencies recommend starting screenings at 45, even if you don’t have symptoms. If there is a family history of colorectal cancer, you might need earlier screening. If you have digestive symptoms, you should consult your doctor, regardless of your age.

Delaying or avoiding cancer screenings may be detrimental to your health.

Schedule Your Colon Cancer Screening

Colorectal cancer almost always begins with a polyp, a small cluster of cells on the lining of the large intestine (colon) or rectum.

Although there are several screening options, colonoscopy is the most thorough. The procedure allows your doctor to view the entire length of the colon to examine for polyps that are cancerous or may develop into cancer.

Your doctor can often remove precancerous polyps during your colonoscopy so they will not develop into cancer.

Most insurance plans provide coverage for a screening colonoscopy for patients 45 and older. Call your health insurance company to confirm your coverage.

Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, beginning screenings at age 45 could potentially prevent 60 percent of deaths caused by colon cancer.

No matter your weight, if you are 45 or older, commit to improving your health this year and talk to your doctor about scheduling a colon cancer screening. Our doctors perform colonoscopy screenings at surgery centers around the country. Search for a gastroenterologist in your area and schedule your colonoscopy.

Have IBD? Limit Sugary Treats, Screen for Colon Cancer

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Give yourself a gift this holiday season by eating healthy, nutritious meals–and scheduling a colon cancer screening.

Too many sugary snacks, drinks and desserts can cause stomach pain and tooth decay. Other long-term health issues include weight gain, diabetes and heart disease, reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

A new study shows eating too much sugar may aggravate inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) symptoms and interrupt Yuletide celebrations.

The University of Pittsburgh scientists found that cutting back on sugary foods can help relieve symptoms for people with IBD. Findings appear in Cellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology.

“Too much sugar isn’t good for a variety of reasons, and our study adds to that evidence by showing how sugar may be harmful to the gut, said senior author Timothy Hand, Ph.D., in Medical Xpress. “For patients with IBD, high-density sugar–found in things like soda and candy­–might be something to stay away from.”

Hand is associate professor of pediatrics and immunology at Pitt’s School of Medicine and UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.

What Is Inflammatory Bowel Disease?

The CDC said IBD is a term for two conditions: Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. These conditions are “characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Prolonged inflammation results in damage to the GI tract.”

Although the exact cause of IBD is unknown, it is the result of a weakened immune system, according to the CDC.

“The prevalence of IBD is rising around the world, and it’s rising the fastest in cultures with industrialized, urban lifestyles, which typically have diets high in sugar,” Hand said.

Too Much Sugar Harms the Colon

According to the USDA, a 2,000-calorie diet should not exceed 200 calories from added sugars. This amount is approximately equivalent to 12 teaspoons.

The CDC lists added sugars as sucrose, dextrose, table sugar, syrups, honey, and sugars from fruit or vegetable juices.

The University of Pittsburgh studied the effects of sugar on inflammatory bowel disease. Researchers fed mice either a standard or high-sugar diet. Then they treated the mice with DSS, a chemical that damages the colon, to produce IBD symptoms.

Nine days later, all the mice on the high-sugar diet died. In contrast, all the animals on the standard diet survived until the end of the 14-day experiment.

Findings showed a high-sugar diet impairs cell renewal in the colon and exacerbates gut damage in IBD.

“Our research suggests that consuming high levels of sugar could have negative outcomes for repairing the colon in patients with inflammatory bowel disease,” Hand said.

IBD and Colon Cancer Similarities

Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in the United States for both men and women. Everyone is at risk for this disease, regardless of age.

IBD and colon cancer can share similar symptoms, so it is important to get an accurate diagnosis. Consult your healthcare provider if you experience any of these symptoms:

  •  A change in bowel habits
  • Abdominal pain
  • Rectal bleeding
  • Weight loss
  • Fatigue

To accurately determine your condition, a colon cancer screening may be recommended. Colonoscopy is the gold standard for CRC screenings. This test lets a doctor see the whole large intestine, find and remove polyps that could become cancerous.

For people at average risk for colon cancer, healthcare agencies recommend starting screenings at age 45. Individuals should be screened even if they don’t have symptoms.

People with IBD have a higher risk of colorectal cancer than the general population, according to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation.

If you have Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, you may need to have a colonoscopy before age 45. In some cases, you may need to have a colonoscopy more frequently.

Anyone with the following risk factors may need a colonoscopy before age 45 or more often:

  • Family history of colorectal cancer
  • Polyps (growths inside the colon and rectum) that may become cancerous

Discuss recommended screening intervals with your healthcare provider.

Find a Gastroenterologist Near You

To enhance your quality of life, consume sugar in moderation and undergo screening for colon cancer.

The 12th annual Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week is Dec. 1-7. Improving your nutrition by reducing sugar may lessen IBD symptoms and help prevent other harmful medical conditions.

Colorectal cancer is both preventable and highly treatable when detected early, before it spreads to other organs. In 2020, the CDC said about 68 percent of colorectal cancer deaths could be avoided if everyone eligible got screened.

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.

If you are looking for a quality gastroenterologist, we can help. Our doctors perform colonoscopy screenings at ambulatory surgery centers around the country. Request an appointment at a center near you to schedule a colonoscopy.

Learn About Your Family’s Colon Cancer History

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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.

How to Distinguish Between Colon Cancer and Hemorrhoids

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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.

Eat Healthier Foods to Protect Your Colon, Earth

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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.

Bacteria Types Differ in Early- vs. Late-Onset Colon Cancer Tumors

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A recent study found the gut microbiome of colon tumors vary, depending on whether the patient was diagnosed with early-onset or late-onset disease.

Study finds difference in colon tumor microbiomes

According to new research from Georgetown University’s Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, the microbiome of patients with colon cancer can differ greatly.

The research team found that the type and amount of viruses, fungi and bacteria in the colon tumors of patients varied significantly, depending on whether the patients were diagnosed with early-onset colon cancer compared to late-onset colon cancer.

Early-onset colon cancer incidence is rising.

Colon cancer rates have been decreasing in adults older than 55, partly due to increased screening for the disease. However, colon cancer incidence continues to rise in young adults. In the last 10 years, the number of adults younger than 55 with colon cancer has doubled, and the incidence rate has increased from 11 percent in 1995 to 20 percent in 2020.

Microbes and the intestinal lining

Scientists have known that microbes can cause inflammation in tissues, which can mutate DNA cells in the colon lining. They also are aware that a certain type of bacteria called Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nuc) can suppress immune response in the colon and make it more prone to cancer.

The study examined 917 types of fungi and bacteria in colon tumors. F. nuc was one of the most common types of bacteria, and it appeared in about 30 percent of both early- and late-onset colon tumors. The researchers were also able to categorize specific bacteria and fungi that were more common in early-onset tumors and late-onset tumors.

“Younger people with colorectal cancer have more biologically aggressive cancers, and whatever survival benefit they have by being younger is outweighed by the more aggressive tumor biology. We also know that for the most part, genetics doesn’t explain the recent rise in young-onset disease,” said Benjamin Adam Weinberg, MD. “But we have trillions of bacteria residing in our body, including in our gut, some of which are implicated in the development of colorectal cancer; hence, we think the microbiome may be an important factor in the development of the disease, as it is involved in the interplay between a person’s genetics, environment, diet and immune system.”

Dr. Weinberg is an associate professor of medicine at Georgetown Lombardi. He hopes the new study may provide insight on why young-onset colon cancer rates continue to increase. With the current findings and plans to continue the research, the team wants to continue to explore how microbiome and other factors influence colon cancer development.

Early detection and treatment of colon cancer

Because young-onset colon cancer is usually more aggressive, it is essential to be familiar with symptoms of the disease. Some symptoms of colon cancer include the following:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Rectal bleeding
  • Weakness or fatigue
  • Constipation or diarrhea
  • Thin, pencil-like stools
  • Weight loss

Call a gastroenterologist for a colonoscopy.

If you are experiencing symptoms, you should see your physician. Your doctor may suggest that you schedule a colonoscopy. Although there are several types of colon cancer screening procedures, a colonoscopy is the most effective screening available because it can detect and prevent colon cancer.

Do you need help finding a gastroenterologist near you? Our GI centers are located nationwide. Call today to make an appointment.

Follow-up Colonoscopy Critical for CRC Diagnosis

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Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., but it is preventable through timely screenings.

Healthcare agencies recommend people at average risk for developing the disease get their first screening at age 45.

Many individuals choose a noninvasive, stool-based CRC screening option they can do at home. These tests are convenient, but they cannot diagnose polyps or tumors, and they cannot prevent colon cancer development.

Experts advise anyone who receives an abnormal stool-based test result to follow up with a colonoscopy within six months to diagnose colorectal cancer.

CRC Risk, Complications Increase

In a study published in JAMA Network Open, the results showed low follow-up screening rates in patients who had a stool-based screening test for CRC. In fact, 49 percent of the patients who received abnormal screening results did not complete the recommended follow-up colonoscopy within six months.

The mixed-methods cohort study used data collected between June 1, 2015, and June 30, 2021. The study included 32,769 individuals who were Black, White, Asian and Hispanic aged 50 to 75 years.

The results show 51.4 percent received a follow-up colonoscopy after a positive stool-based test within six months. The follow-up rate was 56.1 percent within 360 days.

Follow-up rates were lower with individuals who were Black or Asian, those on Medicare or Medicaid, and those who chose a FIT screening test (vs. mtDNA).

Jeff T. Mohl, PhD, from the American Medical Group Association in Alexandria, Virginia, and colleagues conducted the study and commented on the results.

“At-home stool-based testing offers a useful tool to supplement routine colonoscopy and reach a wider patient population. Nonetheless, it is important to emphasize that all positive stool-based tests must be followed by a timely colonoscopy to complete the screening paradigm,” the authors advised. “Not completing a colonoscopy after a positive [stool-based test] is associated with a significantly higher risk of CRC complications and mortality.”

When CRC is found at an early stage — before it has spread to other organs — the five-year survival rate is about 90 percent. If colorectal cancer is found early, it often allows for more treatment options, according to the American Cancer Society. It is important to note only about 4 out of 10 colorectal cancers are found at an early stage.

Get Screened at Age 45

If you are 45 and at average risk for CRC, it is important to ask your doctor about getting screened for colorectal cancer. Earlier screening is advised for patients with a family history of CRC or polyps as well as those with digestive symptoms that may be caused by CRC.

Several options are available, but colonoscopy is the only screening method that can both detect and prevent colorectal cancer. Although it is more invasive than other screenings, colonoscopy includes a complete examination of the large intestine. CRC often begins as a growth, called a polyp, inside the colon or rectum. Doctors can find and remove polyps during a colonoscopy before they become cancerous.

If you receive an abnormal stool-based test result, schedule a colonoscopy within six months. Failing to follow up or delaying the procedure may increase your risk of colon cancer and result in an advanced stage of the disease at diagnosis.

Quality care is available at our surgery centers around the country for your first CRC screening or a follow-up colonoscopy.

Schedule a Colonoscopy During Men’s Health Month

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June is Men’s Health Month, and Men’s Health Week is June 12-18. This observance encourages men and their loved ones to make healthy choices that will benefit overall wellness. During the month of June, men can focus on getting regular exercise, eating nutritious meals and getting appropriate health screenings.

One of the most important preventive screenings is for colon cancer, including colonoscopy, which can detect and prevent colon cancer. Men should prioritize colon cancer screening like they do other preventive screenings, such as a prostate exam.

How common is colon cancer in men?

Colon cancer is the third most common type of cancer diagnosed in women and men. It is estimated there will be more than 106,000 new cases of colon cancer in 2023, as well as 46,000 cases of rectal cancer. The lifetime risk of developing colon cancer is about 1 in 23 for men and 1 in 26 for women. However, certain risk factors can increase risk for the disease.

Symptoms and warning signs of colon cancer

Many myths surround colon cancer, one of which is that only older people get the disease. This is untrue. Anyone can develop colon cancer, regardless of age. The Colorectal Cancer Alliance reports 1 in 260 people will get colon cancer before they turn 50.

It is essential to know the symptoms of colon cancer:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Change in bowel habits (diarrhea or constipation)
  • Blood in the stool

If you experience any of these warning signs, call your doctor.

The American Cancer Society recommends that men and women who are at average risk for colon cancer should start regular colon cancer screenings beginning at age 45. Those who are in good health should continue screening until 75.

Colon cancer is highly treatable when diagnosed early, and colonoscopy is the most effective test. Colonoscopy is the only screening that allows a doctor to inspect the entire colon for polyps, which can become cancerous. Your doctor can remove any suspicious polyps during your exam and have them analyzed.

Early detection and early treatment

Have you ever had a colon cancer screening? A colonoscopy is the gold standard for colon cancer screening, so talk to your doctor about scheduling an exam.

If you are not under the care of a fellowship-trained gastroenterologist, we can help. Our colon cancer screening centers are located all over the country, and our friendly staff is ready to meet your health needs. Celebrate Men’s Health Month by calling to make an appointment for a colonoscopy.

Women’s Health Begins With Preventive Colon Cancer Screening

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May is Women’s Health Month, and we celebrate Women’s Health Week May 14-20. This initiative aims to encourage women to prioritize their wellness and help other women make healthy choices.

Colon cancer screening is essential to a woman’s health because most colon cancer is treatable when diagnosed early.

Importance of routine colon cancer screenings

Colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in the United States, but many cases are preventable with regular screenings. Colonoscopy is the gold standard of colon cancer screening because it allows a gastroenterologist to examine the entire colon for polyps and abnormalities. Most polyps can be removed during the procedure, thereby preventing them from becoming cancer.

Younger people with later stage colon cancer

Although colon cancer cases are decreasing overall, colon cancer incidence continues to rise in younger adults. Research in 2019 found that adults younger than 55 comprised 20 percent of new colon cancer cases. Also, studies found the proportion of adults with later-stage colon cancer was 60 percent in 2019, compared to 52 percent in the mid-2000s.

No one knows why more young people are developing colon cancer.

“There is a lot of research going on,” said Ahmedin Jemal, DVM, PhD, senior vice president for surveillance and health equity science at the American Cancer Society. “Some people say it’s probably obesity or changes in diet over the past decades that might be a reason, but really, we don’t know exactly what causes this rapid rise in colorectal cancer incidence rates.”

Routine colon cancer screenings prevent cancer

The best defense against colon cancer is screening. However, Dr. Jemal said only 4 out of 10 adults get screened at proper intervals.

“If we were to raise colorectal cancer screening up to 80 percent, we estimated tens of thousands of cases could be averted, and thousands of lives could be saved,” he said.

The recommended age for colon cancer screening is 45, but many adults are at risk for developing the disease earlier. If you have a family history of colon cancer or if you have a history of precancerous polyps, you may be able to get a colonoscopy earlier.

Make an appointment for a colonoscopy

Talk to your doctor about when to schedule a colonoscopy. Everyone is at risk for colon cancer, regardless of age. It’s essential to be familiar with warning signs of colon cancer, such as abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits or rectal bleeding. Colon cancer is more likely to be at a later stage when symptoms are present, so contact your doctor immediately if you are experiencing any of the warning signs.

Are you under the care of a fellowship-trained gastroenterologist? If you are looking for a physician, we can help. Our colon cancer screening centers are located across the country, and they are accepting new patients. Celebrate Women’s Health Month by making a colonoscopy appointment and saying “yes” to good health.