Colorectal cancer – popularly referred to as colon cancer – is the third-most common form of cancer among both men and women in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society. It is also the second deadliest. However, it is also one of the most preventable.
If everyone age 50 and older had regular screenings, up to 60 percent of colon cancer deaths could be prevented, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Many cases of colon cancer can be prevented through a simple screening exam called colonoscopy, which has among the best cancer-detection rates.
During the procedure, a doctor inspects the entire length (about five feet) of the colon with an endoscope – a thin, flexible, lighted tube with a small video camera attached. It’s inserted through the anus into the rectum and colon. The doctor can view the inside of the colon, detect and remove any abnormal, potentially cancerous tissue known as polyps.
Most types of cancers have no preventive measures. Colon cancer is one that does.
Colon cancer is sometimes referred to as a silent killer because there are usually no symptoms; by the time symptoms occur, it may be too late. Some of these late-stage symptoms include blood in the stool, weight loss, abdominal pain, and a change in bowel habits.
Colonoscopy Screenings Save Lives
Colon cancer screening can detect polyps and early stage cancer in the intestines – so that they can be removed or treated before cancer develops or spreads.
During a colonoscopy, any suspicious tissue can be biopsied and/or removed. The number, size and histology of the polyps are taken into consideration. Polyps may be harmless (hyperplastic) or potentially cancerous (adenomatous polyps or tubular adenomas).
The CDC recommends a preventive colonoscopy screening for all adults – men and women – beginning at age 50, and every 10 years thereafter (if no polyps or cancer is found). If polyps are found during a screening, your doctor may recommend screening or surveillance colonoscopies on a more regular basis.
Colon Cancer Risk Factors
There are a number of factors that can increase a person’s risk of colon cancer. These include:
- Age
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Family history of colon cancer
- Diet high in red meat or fat
- Smoking
- Obesity
- African-American heritage
- Lack of physical activity
- Lack of adequate fiber and vitamin D in your diet.
Deaths from colorectal cancer have decreased with the widespread use of colon cancer screening programs. These screenings are especially valuable as, while mammograms and skin cancer checks can detect cancer after the fact, colon cancer screening looks for and removes precancerous tissues – actually preventing cancer from developing.
If you have not yet had a colonoscopy and are 50 years old or older, or have any of the risk factors of colon cancer, call Austin Gastroenterology in central Texas at (512) 454-4588 for an appointment. You can also use our convenient online appointment request form.
