Colorectal cancer, also known as bowel cancer, colon cancer, or rectal cancer, is any cancer found in the large intestine and rectum. According to the American Cancer Society, it is the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. However, this potentially deadly cancer is also considered one of the most preventable types of cancer. With routine screenings, polyps — unwanted growths in the colon that can develop into cancer — can be detected and removed before they turn cancerous. So why does the American Cancer Society report more than 53,200 people are expected to die from colorectal cancer in 2020? The answer is simple: people aren’t getting screened.
Jason McKnight, M.D., clinical assistant professor of primary care and population health at the Texas A&M College of Medicine and principal investigator of a colorectal cancer screening grant through the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, discusses the basics of colorectal screening and prevention.
Signs and Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer During screening tests, such as a colonoscopy, physicians look for polyps or other abnormalities, and, if any are found, they may remove them. Once these potentially pre-cancerous polyps are removed, the likelihood of developing colorectal cancer is significantly reduced. However, even if you receive regular screenings, it is important to know the common cancer symptoms and warning signs.
- Change in bowel habits that lasts for more than a few days
- Rectal bleeding
- Bloody stool
- Cramping or abdominal pain
- Weakness and fatigue
- Unintended weight loss
Who Should be Screened and How Often? Often, the idea of having a colonoscopy fills people with an understandable amount of apprehension. However, everyone over the age of 45 should get regularly screened, based on the newest recommendations from the American Cancer Society.
McKnight urges anyone with an average risk for colorectal cancer to have a colonoscopy every 10 years. For those with a family history of colorectal cancer, McKnight says to talk with your physician about screenings even earlier than age 45, usually 10 years before the youngest case of polyps or colorectal cancer in your family. Also, if you have had a previous colonoscopy where polyps were removed, you may need another colonoscopy in fewer than 10 years.
There may be resources available in your community if cost is a barrier to getting screened. For example, thanks to a grant from CPRIT, Texas A&M Health Family Care in Bryan provides free colorectal cancer screenings to qualifying individuals. The program serves low-income people who are not insured and those who have insurance but cannot afford their deductible or co-pay.
Colonoscopy Preparation A colonoscopy is usually done in a clinic or hospital setting by a physician with specialized training in the procedure. The afternoon before the procedure, patients will ingest a laxative prep drink. The drinks are designed to clear out your digestive tract to empty the colon. Additionally, patients will be asked to avoid eating solid foods a day before the procedure.
A clean digestive tract allows the physician to get a better view of the entire colon, so even the smallest polyp can be detected. After all, it only takes one polyp to develop cancer.
What to Expect During a Colonoscopy The colonoscopy itself should take less than an hour, during which time the patient is sedated with conscious sedation. The patient may feel the need to have a bowel movement or some cramping, but many people feel nothing and remember nothing from the procedure.
“Colorectal cancer can largely be prevented by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and having preventive screenings,” McKnight says. “In fact, with regular screenings, the American Cancer Society reports that deaths from colorectal cancer could be reduced by 50 percent. If you have any questions, ask your health care provider.”
Visit www.texascstep.org/en/home-2/, for more information on free screenings.
