Early screening for colorectal cancer can save lives

Colorectal cancer ranks among the top five most common cancers in the United States, and is one of the top three causes of cancer-related deaths, according to the American Cancer Society. Despite its prevalence, early detection, through routine screening, can significantly reduce the risk of advanced disease and improve survival rates. Colorectal cancer is cancer of the colon and rectum, which is the same thing as the large intestine. Risk factors include a family history of colon cancer, smoking, a lowfi ber diet, being overweight and a sedentary lifestyle. Current guidelines recommend colorectal cancer screening beginning at age 45, for most adults. However, individuals with a family history of colon cancer, or conditions like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, may need to be screened earlier. A colonoscopy is considered the most effective screening method for detecting and preventing colorectal cancer. “If we remove polyps, we reduce the risk of colon cancer by 90 percent,” said Dr. Heather Osterbrink, general surgeon. A colonoscopy is an outpatient procedure that allows physicians to examine the colon and remove any potentially cancerous growths. Patients undergo bowel prep the day before, to clear the colon, ensuring optimal visibility for detecting small polyps. The procedure typically lasts between 20 minutes and an hour, with patients returning home the same day. For those seeking alternative screening options, stoolbased tests, like the FIT test and Cologuard, are available. However, these tests have limitations. FIT is an annual stool test, that detects blood in the stool, but may not identify polyps. Cologuard, recommended every three years, detects some cancerous cells, but identifies fewer than 40 percent of polyps. Beyond screening, lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. Avoiding tobacco and increasing dietary fiber intake, aiming for at least 10 to 15 grams, per day, can contribute to better colon health. Since colorectal cancer often develops without symptoms, regular screening is the best defense. Talk to a primary care provider, to discuss risk factors and determine the best screening option.