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.

April is IBS Awareness Month. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can have symptoms similar to colon cancer, so it is important to know the symptoms of GI conditions and visit your doctor in a timely manner to have those symptoms evaluated.

IBS affects 10-15 percent of the population, and up to 45 million Americans live with this GI condition. This disorder is usually characterized by abdominal discomfort and changes in bowel habits like chronic diarrhea, constipation or both.

Similarities between IBS and colon cancer

GI distress can be embarrassing and confusing. Sometimes knowing how long you should wait before calling a doctor is difficult. IBS symptoms can mimic other digestive problems like colorectal cancer. They can share similar symptoms and warning signs, such as the following:

• Abdominal pain
• Changes in bowel habits
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Cramping
• Constipation
• Bloating

You should not dismiss your symptoms or try to diagnose yourself. Instead, you may need a colon cancer screening to exclude colon cancer. Colonoscopy is the best colon cancer screening test because your doctor can view the entire colon and remove precancerous lesions, called polyps, during the exam.

Adults at average risk for colon cancer should get a baseline screening at 45, but those with a family or personal history of polyps may need to get screened sooner.

Find a gastroenterologist near you

Do you have recurrent abdominal pain and bowel problems? The first step is to call your doctor. If you are looking for a fellowship-trained gastroenterologist, we can help you find a doctor at one of our colon cancer screening centers. Don’t live another day with GI distress. Call today to make an appointment.

 

 

Did you know that colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second-leading cause of cancer death in the United States? But it doesn’t have to be. Most cases of colon cancer are preventable with routine screening. According to the American Cancer Society, colon screenings could prevent 60 percent of CRC deaths if people chose to get screened starting at age 45.

Education can help make prevention a reality, and that’s where you come in! March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. During this time, we can share with family and friends the importance of getting screened and adopting healthy lifestyle habits that decrease colon cancer risk.

Ways you can get involved

You can do your part to get involved and spread the word about colon cancer awareness. Even children can be advocates for this life-saving cause. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Donate money to a group that supports colorectal cancer awareness like Fight Colorectal Cancer, Colorectal Cancer Alliance or the Colorectal Cancer Coalition.
• Wear a blue ribbon or a blue shirt on March 3 — Dress in Blue Day.
• Talk with friends and family members about the importance of getting their first screening at age 45 (or earlier, depending on their family history). Also, make people aware that digestive symptoms should prompt investigation regardless of age.
• Join a fundraiser for a nonprofit or charitable group focused on colorectal cancer education and research.
• Host an educational seminar at your local church, office or nonprofit group.
• Ask past patients, survivors or past caregivers to share their stories with your group or organization.
• Reach out to a local media outlet to discuss the disease and its prevention on the air, in an article or editorial.

Young-onset colon cancer

When you speak to your family and friends, remind them they are never too young to develop colon cancer. Since the 1990s, colon cancer cases have increased in adults between 40 and 55. In 2020, about 12 percent of colon cancer cases occurred in adults under 50, and they were more likely to have advanced disease at their diagnosis (American Cancer Society®).

Everyone should know the warning signs of colon cancer. Make an appointment with your doctor right away if you have symptoms such as the following:

• Abdominal pain
• Blood in the stool
• Change in bowel habits
• Unexplained weight loss

Locate a gastroenterologist near you

Colon cancer is highly treatable when diagnosed early, and colonoscopy is the most effective test. Are you up-to-date with your colon cancer screening? Or have you ever had a colonoscopy? The first step is to call your doctor.

If you are looking for a fellowship-trained gastroenterologist, we can assist you. Our colon cancer screening centers are located across the country. Be a good example and schedule your screening today!

A new study finds that few Americans know that all types of alcoholic beverages increase cancer risk, including colon cancer.

The research published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention showed many adults believe wine and even liquor have health benefits.

Alcohol contributes to at least seven types of cancer, and colon cancer is one of the leading types, along with breast cancer and mouth cancer.

“Alcohol is a leading modifiable risk factor for cancer in the United States, and previous research has shown that most Americans don’t know this,” said the study’s lead author, Andrew Seidenberg, MPH, PhD, who conducted the study during a fellowship at the National Cancer Institute.

According to Dr. Sidenberg, alcohol contributed to more than 75,000 cases of cancer and 19,000 cancer deaths per year between 2013 and 2016.

Americans Lack Awareness of Alcohol’s Link to Cancer

Dr. Seidenberg and his research team analyzed survey responses from a 2020 study of almost 4,000 adults. Participants answered the following question: “In your opinion, how much does drinking the following types of alcohol affect the risk for getting cancer?” The study recorded responses for beer, wine and liquor.

Some of the findings included the following:

• Less than half of Americans are aware that alcohol affects cancer risk.
• 31.2 percent of Americans were aware that liquor increased cancer risk, followed by beer (24.9 percent) and then wine (20.3 percent).
• Ten percent of American adults thought wine decreased cancer risk, while 2.2 percent thought beer reduced cancer risk and 1.7 percent thought liquor reduced cancer risk.

The study found older adults had lower awareness than younger adults that alcohol use can cause cancer. Dr. Seidenberg believes this disparity may be due to long-standing drinking habits in the older generation.

How Can I Prevent Colon Cancer?

All alcoholic beverages are linked to cancer. The more you drink, the higher your risk for colon and other types of cancer. The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans suggest men drink no more than two drinks per day and women drink no more than one drink per day.

The most effective way to prevent colon cancer is to schedule routine colon cancer screenings. Colonoscopy is the preferred method because your doctor can view the entire colon and remove abnormal tissue, called polyps, during the exam. If left intact, polyps may develop into cancer.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force suggests adults at average risk for colon cancer should begin screening at age 45. However, you should get screened earlier if you have a family or personal history of colon cancer or colon polyps. You may also require evaluation for possible colon cancer if you have digestive symptoms.

Locate a Gastroenterologist Near You

Are you up-to-date with your colon cancer screening? Have you ever had a colonoscopy? The first step is to call your doctor. If you are looking for a fellowship-trained gastroenterologist, we can help. Our colon cancer screening centers are located across the country, and our physicians are accepting new patients. Call today to make an appointment.

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.

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.

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.