Let’s Work Together to Fight Colorectal Cancer

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States. It’s a serious disease that is highly treatable when caught early. That’s why it’s important to know your risk and to start screening for colorectal cancer at the appropriate age.

What Are My Risks for Colorectal Cancer?

Several factors can increase your risk of developing colorectal cancer. While you don’t have control over factors like your family history, other risk factors may be within your control.

Here are the risk factors to be aware of:

• The risk of colorectal cancer increases with age but also affects younger adults. That is why the American Cancer Society now recommends screening begin at age 45 due to rising cases in younger adults.
• A history of inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
• A family history or personal history of colorectal cancer or polyps.
• Certain inherited genetic factors such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and Lynch syndrome.
• Lifestyle choices play a significant role in colorectal cancer risk. Here’s where you can make a big difference to help decrease your risk:
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Stay physically active
  • Maintain a healthy diet, limit red or processed meats
  • Quit smoking
  • Limit your alcohol use

What Are the Screening Options?

Early detection is crucial in the fight against colorectal cancer and regular screening can spot small growths called polyps before they turn into cancer. Screening for colorectal cancer is critical because in many cases this cancer is curable when it is caught in the early stages. Colon cancer screening options for average risk patients include:

• Colonoscopy: This is the gold standard for colorectal cancer screening. Using a thin, flexible camera, your doctor will be able to see your entire colon. The colonoscopy is the only screening test that allows your doctor to remove precancerous polyps. Because the colonoscopy is such a thorough test, it only needs to be performed once every 10 years in average risk patients if no polyps are seen. It may need to be done more frequently if you have a family history of cancer or if polyps were seen on your initial colonoscopy.
• Stool-based tests: These tests check for blood or DNA markers in stool samples, such as a fecal occult blood test (FOBT), a fecal immunochemical test (FIT) and multi-targeted stool DNA test (Cologuard). While these tests are less invasive than a colonoscopy, they may need to be done more frequently and a positive result requires a follow-up colonoscopy.
• CT Colonography: Also known as a “virtual colonoscopy”, a CT colonography creates a computer simulated view of the inside of the colon using images generated by a CT scanner. This screening option is less invasive than a colonoscopy, but still requires a bowel preparation and you will need a full colonoscopy if there are any positive findings on the scan.
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: A flexible sigmoidoscopy is similar to a colonoscopy in that a thin, flexible camera is inserted into the rectum. The scope allows the doctor to visually check for polyps or cancers in the sigmoid colon and rectum. Because this test does not screen the entire colon, you will need to do a FIT test annually and repeat the flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years.

No matter your age, it’s always a good idea to speak with your primary care provider about the best screening options and timing for you. Early detection saves lives. If you are 45 years or older or have a family history of colorectal cancer, use this Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month to get informed and take control of your colorectal health. More information is available at bronsonhealth.com/digestivehealth.

If you do not have a primary care doctor, Bronson Care Advisors can help you choose one for yourself or your family based on your personal preferences, medical needs, insurance and location. They can even help schedule your first appointment. You can reach a Bronson Care Advisor at (269) 341-7788.

Dr. Michael Klingler sees patients at Bronson Colon & Rectal Surgery Specialists on Capital Avenue in Battle Creek, located next to Bronson Gastroenterology Specialists. Together, the specialists at these two practices provide the only complete, expert digestive health care services in the Battle Creek area. You can contact Dr. Klingler at (269) 441-1771.

More About Colorectal Cancer

Want to learn more about colorectal cancer? Check out the additional articles below:

• Colorectal Cancer More Likely to Affect Black Community
• Screenings are the Key to Detecting, Treating and Beating Colorectal Cancer
• Recognizing, Diagnosing and Treating Colorectal Cancer