STAY STRONG
Colorectal Cancer Screening: COVID-SAFE and When It Is Important
Is Colorectal Cancer Screening Recommended During the COVID-19 Era?
- Colorectal cancer is one of the more preventable cancers
therefore screening is essential and should not be delayed.
Importantly, some may not demonstrate any signs
or symptoms of colorectal cancer
which is why screening is so important.
Our healthcare team at Montefiore
cares about every patient's safety and comfort
and should know that careful steps and precautions
are being taken to ensure a safe and comfortable environment
when they have their colonoscopy
such as designated patient treatment areas,
rigorous cleaning and use of masks.
Patients should talk to their healthcare providers
to discuss the different screening options
available to them.
While there are specific recommendations
to start screening based on age
and/or family history of colorectal cancer
even without any symptoms,
if anyone is having signs or symptoms of colorectal cancer
including blood in the stools, change in their bowel habits,
abdominal pain, weight loss or anemia in their blood work,
they should talk to their healthcare provider
to make sure they have the appropriate testing done.
Why is it important to be screened for colorectal cancer?
Colorectal cancer is the third
most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States
and the second leading cause of cancer related deaths
in men and women combined.
Colorectal cancer is highly preventable and curable
if detected early.
Getting screened for colorectal cancer
allows for the detection and removal of precancerous growths
or polyps on the inner lining of the colon or rectum
before they can develop into cancer.
Screening will also help detect pre-cancer
and cancerous polyps that may be at an earlier stage
therefore improving the chances of successful treatment.
Therefore, early detection is key.
The risk for colorectal cancer
appears to increase after the age of 50.
However, amongst those aged 50 to 75 years,
approximately one in three adults
still have never been screened.
What is concerning is that more recent studies are showing
that colorectal cancer is being diagnosed
in those younger than age 50
at a rate of approximately one to 2% per year.
While the exact reasons
for the rise in early onset colorectal cancer are unclear,
diet, sedentary lifestyle, positive family history
and/or lack of awareness of the symptoms
for colorectal cancer may be contributing factors.
What are the symptoms of colorectal cancer?
Some patients especially with pre-cancerous polyps
or in the earlier stages of colorectal cancer
may not have any signs or symptoms
which is why screening is important
even if you are feeling well.
However, if you have any of the following signs or symptoms,
you should inform your doctor to discuss further testing.
These include change in bowel habits, blood in the stools,
abdominal pain and/or unexplained weight loss.
What age is screening recommended and what are the screening options for colorectal cancer?
The goal of screening is to detect precancerous polyps
and prevent colorectal cancer.
Most expert groups recommend starting to screen
at the age of 50.
However, some including the American Cancer Society
recommend beginning at age 45
considering the rise in early onset colorectal cancer cases.
Due to higher rates of colorectal cancer
in certain ethnic groups, experts also recommend
that African Americans begin screening at age 45.
However, if you have any symptoms
or a positive family history of colorectal cancer,
you should discuss this with your doctor
as you may need to be screened at a younger age.
There are multiple ways to be screened for colorectal cancer
including visual based testing
such as a colonoscopy or a sigmoidoscopy
which uses a thin flexible tube
to examine your colon and rectum.
This procedure will also allow for the removal of polyps
if they are found.
Virtual or CT colonography is another alternative
that uses x-ray images to examine your colon and rectum
and also look for polyps.
Stool based testing is another option
that can be done in the comfort of your own home
which looks for occult or hidden blood in your stool sample.
Colonoscopy is the preferred test.
However, it is important to be aware
of the different options available to you.
Your doctor may recommend a certain test be done
based on your overall health and your preference.
If you do have a test other than a colonoscopy
such as a stool test
and have an abnormal or positive result,
this should be followed by a colonoscopy.
What are some tips that may help reduce your risk of colorectal cancer?
There are some healthy habits that may help lower your risk
of colorectal cancer.
These include maintaining a healthy body weight,
increasing your physical activity
such as trying to limit the amount of time sitting
or lying down and depending on your physical health,
taking the stairs
and incorporating more walking into your day.
You could also try to increase your intake of dietary fiber
including fruit, vegetables and whole grains.
Also, reducing your intake of red meat and processed meats.
These include beef, lamb and luncheon meats
such as pre-packaged lunch meats including ham or turkey.
You should also try to stop smoking
and avoid or limit your intake of alcoholic beverages.
If you do consume alcohol,
try to limit it to one to two drinks per day.
You should also speak to your family
and find out if there's anyone with colon polyps
or colorectal cancer
as this may place you at an increased risk.