According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death for both men and women in the United States.
There are more than 150,000 new cases of colon cancer in the United States, affecting all races and ethnicities. National health organizations now recommend regular colon cancer screenings beginning at age 45. Until recently, the recommended age to begin screenings was 50.
An increased incidence of late-stage colon cancer in younger people is the reason for this change of recommendations, according to Dr. Matthias Weiss, oncologist/hematologist at ThedaCare Regional Cancer Center. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) notes that rates of colon cancer in 40- to 49-year-olds has increased by almost 15% from 2000-2002 to 2014-2016. Weiss stressed the new age 45 guideline applies to most people.
“If you’re 45 to 75 years old, getting screened regularly is a key step in helping to prevent colorectal cancer,” said Weiss. “If you’re younger than 45, and you believe you might be at a higher risk for developing colorectal cancer, perhaps because of a family history of the disease, we encourage you to talk with your provider about screening options and recommendations.”
For people who do not have an increased risk of colorectal cancer, they can repeat a colonoscopy every 10 years.
According to Weiss, even though colonoscopy is considered the gold standard of screenings, there are three main ways to check for colorectal cancer. The fecal occult blood test checks for blood in the stool, which can be a sign of colorectal cancer. The stool DNA test looks for DNA markers that indicate the presence of colorectal cancer. Colonoscopies involve the insertion of a long, flexible tube into the rectum to visually inspects the colon for any abnormalities or cancer.
“We are encouraged by the updated screening guidelines,” said Weiss. “With new information and advances in screenings and prevention, we hope to provide better outcomes for patients through early detection.”
More than 15 million colonoscopies are performed in the United States each year. However, data from USPSTF shows that in 2016, 25.6% of eligible American adults had never been screened for colorectal cancer, and in 2018, 31.2% were not up to date with their screenings.
Colorectal cancer might not cause symptoms right away. Weiss stressed symptoms can be non-specific, which is why regular screenings are important. Symptoms of colon cancer include rectal bleeding, changes in bowel movements (constipation, diarrhea, etc.), abdominal pain, fatigue, anemia, unexplained weight loss and decreased appetite.
Anyone who experiences any of the symptoms should speak with a health care provider as soon as possible. Early detection and treatment have shown to improve outcomes.
Risk factors include a diet high in red meat and processed foods, a sedentary lifestyle and smoking. To reduce the risk, physicians recommend focusing on four key lifestyles: Eat a Mediterranean diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and high-fiber foods; exercise regularly, which improves physical and emotional well-being and prevents unhealthy weight gain; quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption; and get a colonoscopy (even if you feel healthy) and other recommended cancer screening procedures.
To learn about colorectal cancer, along with symptoms, prevention and treatment, visit thedacare.org/services/cancer-and-blood-disorders/types-of-cancer/gastrointestinal-cancer.
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