In 2023, an estimated 150,000 Americans were diagnosed with colon cancer, and 53,000 people died from the disease. Moreover, in recent years, there has been a rise in early-onset colorectal cancer in those younger than 50. Luckily, colon cancer is largely preventable through screenings and early detection! To raise greater awareness for Colon Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Bitner joins Fox17 to discuss risk factors to watch for and prevention screening methods.
Fact #1
The average age of colorectal cancer diagnosis is 66, but there has been a rise in early-onset colorectal cancer in people younger than 50.
Fact #2
Several factors increase your risk of colon cancer, including:
- Family history
- A personal history of colon or rectal polyps
- Having inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s or Ulcerative Colitis
- Eating a diet high in processed, low-fiber food
- Obesity
Colon cancer is also more common among people of color, particularly African Americans, and those of Asian descent.
Fact #3
Symptoms of colon cancer include:
- A change in bowel habits
- Blood in or on your stool (bowel movement)
- Diarrhea, constipation, or feeling that the bowel does not empty all the way
- Abdominal pain, aches, bloating, or cramps that don’t go away
- Unexplained weight loss
Fact #4
The symptoms of colon cancer are not always obvious, so it is important to understand your risk and get screened early. The American Cancer Society now recommends that all individuals of average risk go in for screenings starting at age 45. Those with higher risk should talk to their healthcare provider about being screened sooner.
Fact #5
There are two ways to screen for colon cancer:
Colonoscopies are the gold standard of testing and involve having a bowel prep followed by a procedure where a camera is inserted to examine the walls of your colon and rectum. Colonoscopies are recommended every ten years but could be more frequent if abnormal cells are found.
Cologuard stool test involves sending a sample of your bowel movement in for testing. This test searches for the presence of cancer DNA in cells. If this test is negative, it is recommended that you repeat every 3 years. If the Cologuard is positive, then it must be followed up with a colonoscopy.
Patient story:
Jane, 42, was a busy mom and worked part-time. She ate a healthy diet, ran two miles daily, and got her check-ups. Lately, on a few of her runs, Jane experienced rectal urgency and barely made it home each time. Once home, she had loose stool and noticed dark blood as well. Jane did not think much of it until the following week when she experienced cramps, belly pain, and more bloody loose stools.
After talking to her mom, Jane found out her cousin had been diagnosed with colon cancer. With this in mind, she made an appointment with her doctor. Her provider recommended a colonoscopy due to her change in bowel habits and family history. Unfortunately, the test came back positive for colon cancer. Thankfully, it was early-stage colon cancer, giving Jane treatment options. She had surgery and chemotherapy and was eventually cancer-free! Jane is grateful she didn’t ignore her symptoms! She now helps schedule screenings for all her siblings and cousins.
Takeaway Tip:
No one likes the idea of having a colonoscopy (or the prep!), but it’s much better than having a colon cancer diagnosis too late. Catching cancer early gives you a much better prognosis and a higher chance of being cancer-free in the future. It is essential to know your risk for colorectal cancer. Talk to your doctor about having a rectal exam at your physical and when to start screening tests. Don’t wait and have regrets later on!
