If you are 45 or older, get screened for colorectal cancer (CRC).

In 2020, about 12 percent of all cases of CRC occurred in individuals younger than 50, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). Patients diagnosed prior to age 50 were more likely to have advanced disease at diagnosis.

When CRC is found at an early stage before it has spread, the five-year survival rate is about 90 percent.

An increase in early-onset colorectal cancer prompted leading health organizations to recommend CRC screening starting at age 45 for all average-risk individuals.

A study published Jan. 7 in “Gastroenterology” supports the lowered CRC screening age. The study was conducted by AMSURG and researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

“We have known for many years that rates of colorectal cancer are rising in individuals younger than 50, prompting several medical organizations to recommend lowering the screening age from 50 to 45. What has been missing until now is confirmatory data of the prevalence of precancerous polyps in younger individuals,” said lead author Steven H. Itzkowitz, MD, FACP, FACG, AGAF, Professor of Medicine (Gastroenterology), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, in Medical Xpress. “Our study provides an important piece of the puzzle and supports the recommendation changing the screening age to 45.”

Study Results Show Early-Onset CRC

March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month. Since the mid-1990s, the number of colorectal cases has been increasing in adults ages 40-54. These cases are often misdiagnosed or diagnosed later in the course of the disease.

In this first large-scale study to look at precancerous polyps in this age group, researchers analyzed data collected between Jan. 1, 2014, and Feb. 5, 2021. The study focused on approximately 131,000 patients aged 40-49 from 123 AMSURG (a division of Envision Healthcare) ambulatory endoscopy centers across 29 states that report their results in the GI Quality Improvement Consortium (GIQuIC) Registry.

Several factors were associated with higher odds of advanced premalignant lesions (APLs) and colorectal cancer, including age, family history of CRC, sex (male), race (white) and examinations for bleeding or screening.

This study, entitled “Prevalence and Predictors of Young-Onset Colorectal Neoplasia: Insights From a Nationally Representative Colonoscopy Registry,” revealed data showing that among patients aged 45-49:

• 32 percent had neoplasia (precancerous or cancerous lesions considered forerunners to colorectal cancer)
• Nearly 8 percent had APLs
• 0.58 percent had CRC
• Prevalence of neoplasia and APLs were almost as high as those of 50-54-year-olds, and the rates of CRC were even higher.

Additionally, among 40-44 year olds, rates of APLs were almost as high as for those aged 45-49, and colorectal cancer rates were comparably high, according to the study.

Colonoscopy Is Gold Standard for CRC Screening

According to the ACS, about 60 percent of all colon cancer fatalities in the United States could be prevented if every man and woman 45 years or older would choose to be screened for colon cancer.

Many screening methods are available for CRC, but colonoscopy is the gold standard procedure because it allows your doctor to see the entire length of the colon to examine for polyps, lesions and abnormalities. Precancerous polyps can be removed at the time of the procedure, thereby preventing the development of cancer. A quality colonoscopy is the only screening that can both detect and prevent colon cancer.

If you have a positive stool-based test, a follow-up colonoscopy is critical. In fact, if you delay a colonoscopy for nine months or more after a positive stool-based test, you are much more likely to have an advanced cancer.

In the past, most patients were required to pay part of the cost for a follow-up colonoscopy to evaluate a positive stool-based test. Stool-based tests include the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) and stool-DNA test (Cologuard). A new law changes the requirement for patients to share in the cost. Health insurance plans within the Affordable Care Act will be required to provide this follow-up procedure with no out-of-pocket cost to the patient. This coverage is for plan or policy years beginning on or after May 31, 2022.

To avoid confusion, contact your healthcare provider first and then schedule an appointment.

Data Shows ‘45 is New 50’

Dr. Itzkowitz told Healio that the data confirm that “45 is now the new 50” for CRC.

“Colon cancer used to be considered a disease of old age and that is no longer true,” Dr. Itzkowitz told Healio. “Our data also suggest that clinically important lesions occur about five years earlier in individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer compared to those without a family history. That is why it is very important to take a good family history.”

Study co-author, Jay Popp, MD, Medical Director for AMSURG, a leading provider of colonoscopies, told Medical XPress that “the team’s findings reiterate the importance of colorectal cancer awareness — both among patients and clinicians.”

Call your gastroenterologist today to schedule a preventive screening.

“Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States, but it is one of the most preventable cancers,” Dr. Popp said. “The more patients know about their bodies and risk for colorectal cancer and the more clinicians can do to help patients receive routine and timely screenings, the more lives we can save. Everyone can play a role in helping a loved one or neighbor prevent colorectal cancer.“

Research shows that eating a high intake of whole grains can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease and colon cancer.

Diet and Colon Cancer Risk

Colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Diet, physical activity and weight are risk factors for the disease, so lifestyle changes can significantly decrease colon cancer risk.

Eating red meat and processed meat can be highly inflammatory and are linked to a greater risk of colon cancer. A new study by Nordic researchers published in Nutrition Reviews reinforces that a plant-based diet is more globally sustainable and can help prevent chronic disease.

“Both scientists and the public seem to have missed the yet untapped potential that grains can contribute towards a more sustainable food system and a healthier population,” said Professor Rikard Landberg from Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden. “Even small changes in dietary patterns could make a large difference both to environment and health and grains could represent one of these possibilities” (Medical Xpress).

What is a Whole Grain?

A 2017 study found that eating approximately 90 grams, or three servings, of whole grains per day reduces the risk of colon cancer by 17 percent. But what is a whole grain?

All grains are either whole grains or refined grains. Refined grains have some or all of the bran layers removed during processing, which reduces the fiber and the micronutrients. Whole grains are made from intact seeds that include three parts:

• Bran: the outer skin of the seed
• Endosperm: provides nutrition to the germ
• Germ: the embryo, which can germinate into a new plant

A high-fiber diet is essential for colon cancer prevention because fiber increases stool bulk, dilutes carcinogens in the stool and decreases the transit time of digested food in the intestines (NCBI).

How to Add More Whole Grains to Your Meals

You can make small, daily changes to your meals to add more whole grains to your diet.

Breakfast—Start your day with oatmeal, a high-fiber whole grain, and top it with almonds, chia seeds, ground flax seeds and dried fruit.

Lunch—Buy bread made with 100 percent whole wheat flour for making sandwiches.

Dinner—Choose brown rice instead of white rice, and try to eat different whole grains such as barley, quinoa, millet, buckwheat and bulger.

Schedule a Colonoscopy to Prevent Colon Cancer

Eating more whole grains can help prevent colon cancer, but the best way to lower your risk is to get a colon cancer screening. A colonoscopy is the gold standard for colon screening because your doctor can view your entire colon and remove any polyps or abnormal tissue during the exam.

The American Cancer Society now recommends that all adults at average risk for colon cancer begin screening at age 45 instead of 50. However, some individuals at high risk may need to get screened earlier. Call your gastroenterologist today and start your year off right with a preventive screening.

When it comes to colon cancer, there are many factors that you cannot control. It’s impossible to eliminate risk factors such as age, race and ethnicity, family history, health conditions and genetic syndromes.

Other colon cancer risk factors include obesity, a low-fiber/high-fat diet and a sedentary lifestyle. New research suggests that gender can also influence colon cancer risk. For example, a recent study on mice found that males who eat a high-fat diet can develop harmful gut inflammation, making them more susceptible to colon cancer.

Inflammation and Colon Cancer Risk in Mice

A multi-institutional research team studied male and female mice to compare the levels of an inflammatory marker associated with colon cancer risk. When the mice ate a control diet, males had higher levels of this marker.

When the research team fed all mice a high-fat diet, both genders experienced increased inflammation. However, only females had reduced inflammation when the team combined exercise with a high-fat diet.

“Taken together, these findings suggest that males respond poorly to a high-fat diet, causing inflammation and increased cell proliferation, making them at greater risk for colon cancer,” the research team wrote (Medical Xpress).

How to Eat a Low-Inflammation Diet to promote Colon Health

Even though this study suggests that males are at increased risk for colon cancer, it’s important to remember that anyone can develop the disease. It’s important to take intentional steps to decrease risk factors within your control, like eating a healthy, anti-inflammatory diet.

Begin with removing high-fat, inflammatory foods from your diet. Foods that cause inflammation include refined carbohydrates, fried foods, processed foods, sweetened beverages, red meat and processed meat.

Then, replace inflammatory foods with fresh, nutritious foods that fight inflammation. Here is a list of several foods that do not cause inflammation.

1. Cruciferous vegetables—Broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and kale are rich in antioxidants that fight inflammation and prevent cancer and heart disease.
2. Berries—Blueberries, raspberries, blackberries and strawberries have plenty of fiber, vitamins and antioxidants called anthocyanins.
3. Avocados—A small avocado includes high amounts of fiber, potassium, magnesium and heart-healthy monounsaturated fats that reduce inflammation.
4. Fatty fish—Salmon, herring, mackerel, anchovies, tuna and sardines are high in DHA and EPA, two types of omega-3 fatty acids that actively fight inflammation.
5. Green Tea—This is one of the best beverages you can consume because green tea has a substance called epigallocatechin-3-gallate, an anti-inflammatory.
6. Turmeric—Turmeric contains curcumin, which is known to reduce symptoms of arthritis and reduce inflammation. To maximize the absorption of the curcumin in turmeric, add black pepper to the dish you are preparing.
7. Extra virgin olive oil—The Mediterranean diet is getting lots of attention because it contains high amounts of extra virgin olive oil, which reduces the risk of heart disease, cancer and other chronic health conditions.
8. Dark chocolate—You can still have dessert, but choose dark chocolate! The flavanols in dark chocolate keep inflammation levels low and arteries healthy.
9. Tomatoes—High in vitamin C and lycopene, tomatoes contain potent antioxidants.
10. Mushrooms—Lion’s mane mushrooms are mighty in lowering obesity-related inflammation (Healthline).

Call Your GI Doctor to Schedule a Colonoscopy

While a low-inflammation diet can help prevent colon cancer, the best way to lower your risk is a colon cancer screening. There are many methods of screening, but the gold standard is colonoscopy. Unlike a stool test, a colonoscopy allows your doctor to inspect the entire colon and remove any precancerous growths called polyps.

The American Cancer Society recommends that all adults at average risk for colon cancer begin screening at age 45. However, if you are at high risk for colon cancer (history of colon polyps, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s Disease and certain genetic conditions), or if you have digestive symptoms, you should get screened earlier. Call your gastroenterologist today and make an appointment for a colonoscopy.

Delays in diagnosis and treatment of cancer during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic have resulted in worse outcomes for some patients, according to recently published data.

Many medical services were suspended across the globe during the first mandatory lockdown in the spring of 2020. Furthermore, many patients were reluctant to come to healthcare facilities for routine screenings or appointments due to fear of being exposed to COVID.

Study: Delaying CRC diagnosis increased tumor burden

A recent study referenced in Medscape analyzed data collected during the enrollment phase for a phase 2 clinical trial in France.

In the analysis, 40 people were screened before the first COVID-19 lockdown in France, and 40 people were screened following the lockdown.

“To our knowledge, this study was the first to assess the association between COVID-19 restrictions and delayed treatment and diagnostic services for a specific cancer,” the researchers noted in Becker’s Hospital Review.

Researchers found that individuals diagnosed with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) after the lockdown exhibited a burden of tumor tissue cells nearly seven times higher than those diagnosed before the pandemic.

In addition, the study showed the median survival decreased from 20 months to just less than 15 months in patients with the higher tumor burden, according to Medscape.

“I think that reasons for diagnosis delays are similar in the US as in France,” said lead author Alain Thierry, Ph.D., director of research, Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier, France in the Medscape article. “They imply individual reluctance or fears or difficulty of carrying out a screening test or to visit a medical doctor or an oncologist during the lockdown period.”

Don’t delay colon cancer screening

Delaying treatment and diagnostic services, like colonoscopy, can lead to poor outcomes for colorectal cancer patients.

“Delayed screening very likely leads to advanced cancers, and it is highly likely that the pandemic raised the threshold that patients would seek medical care for subacute symptoms,” said Theodore S. Hong, MD, director of gastrointestinal services at Mass General Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts in Medscape. “This is leading to many patients presenting with advanced gastrointestinal cancers.”

Colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in the United States. The American Cancer Society’s recommendation for baseline colon cancer screenings is 45 for all adults at average risk for colon cancer.

Although there are other screening tests, colonoscopy is the gold standard for colorectal cancer screening because the procedure both detects and removes precancerous polyps before they become cancer.

The Affordable Care Act of 2010 requires both private insurers and Medicare to cover the costs of colorectal cancer screening tests. To avoid any confusion, contact your health insurance agent or employer’s human resources department.

Colon cancer is declining overall in many countries, but incidence is increasing in younger adults. The National Cancer Institute reports that colon cancer rates have doubled among adults under 50 since the 1990s.

A new study published in Gastroenterology suggests increased levels of vitamin D could help prevent colon cancer in adults under 50.

New Research Regarding Vitamin D and Colorectal Cancer

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for building healthy bones, supporting immune health and maintaining muscle and brain cell function. But can vitamin D also impact colon cancer risk?

Scientists from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and other institutions, analyzed data from 94,205 women enrolled in the Nurses’ Health Study II. They were particularly interested in finding an association between total vitamin D intake and early-onset colon cancer, diagnosed prior to 50 years of age.

Kimmie Ng is the Director of the Young-Onset Colon Cancer Center at Dana-Farber. “Vitamin D has known activity against colorectal cancer in laboratory studies.” Ng said. “Because vitamin D deficiency has been steadily increasing over the past few years, we wondered whether this could be contributing to the rising rates of colorectal cancer in young individuals” (The Harvard Gazette).

Ng and colleagues found that higher total vitamin D intake had a significant association with reduced risk of young-onset colon cancer. Between 1991 to 2015, Ng and her team documented 111 cases of early-onset colon cancer and 3,317 colorectal polyps. The study showed women who took 300 IU or more of vitamin D per day had a 50 percent lower risk of colon cancer. That is the equivalent of three 8-ounce glasses of milk.

What are the Best Sources of Vitamin D?

Dietary vitamin D, especially dairy products, displayed more favorable results than vitamin D supplements. This finding suggests that vitamin D offers more protective benefits when ingested in food sources. Good sources of vitamin D include:

• Fortified milk, yogurt and cheese
• Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, sardines and herring
• Egg yolks
• Red meat
• Liver
• Certain fortified breakfast cereals and orange juice
• Mushrooms

How You Can Lower Your Risk for Colon Cancer

While a vitamin-rich diet and exercise are important for cancer prevention, the best way to lower your risk for colon cancer is a colon cancer screening. The gold standard is colonoscopy because it allows your doctor to examine the entire colon for precancerous growths called polyps and remove any suspicious lesions. Colonoscopy offers not only the ability to diagnose colon cancer, but to treat and prevent it, all in a single exam.

Schedule Your Colonoscopy Before Your Deductible Resets

Have you had a colonoscopy recently? The recommended age for colon cancer screening has been lowered to 45, so it may be time for you to schedule an appointment. The year is almost over, and your deductible will reset in January. If you have a family history of colon cancer, or are experiencing symptoms that may be due to colon cancer, you should consult your physician. Colonoscopy may be recommended regardless of age.

It’s hard to believe that we are approaching the end of the calendar year. Colonoscopy is considered preventive care, so your procedure could be very low-cost or even free. Time is running out, so call your insurance company today to take full advantage of your health benefits.

Many hospitals and healthcare facilities are delaying elective surgeries and procedures, but it’s important to remember that colonoscopy screenings are essential for good health.

COVID-19 Delays Elective Procedures

The Delta variant has caused millions of medical procedures to be canceled or delayed. Now, with the acute resurgence of COVID-19, many hospitals are reallocating resources and delaying elective procedures like colonoscopy.

The term “elective” does not refer to the importance of the procedure or whether or not you should elect to have it. Instead, it simply distinguishes between surgeries for emergencies and those that can be scheduled in advance.

For example, knee replacements and non-emergency hernia repairs are considered elective procedures because patients can schedule these surgeries for a future date. Colonoscopy screenings are also elective procedures. However, it’s important to note that although the medical community classifies these procedures as “elective,” it doesn’t mean you should elect not to have them when you can.

Colonoscopies Are Essential Preventive Care

Colonoscopies are essential because they allow for early detection and removal of potentially cancerous polyps. According to the new guidelines of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, adults who are at average risk for colon cancer should begin screening at age 45.

Young-onset colon cancer is on the rise in the United States, and younger people tend to have more aggressive tumors that are more difficult to treat. Regular colonoscopies at recommended intervals help ensure your physician can detect and treat any developing polyp before it becomes cancerous.

Consider an Ambulatory Surgery Center for Colonoscopy

Even though some hospitals have pushed back colonoscopy screenings and other elective procedures and surgeries, you may have another option. Scheduling your colonoscopy at an ambulatory surgery center (ASC) may be a good choice for several reasons:

• Outpatient surgery centers are dedicated to specific procedures, not emergency or trauma, so your procedure may be less likely to be affected.
• ASCs are smaller than hospitals and have more convenient parking.
• Procedures may be more cost-effective at ASCs.
• Many patients say that ASCs feel comfortable and more like home.

Schedule Your Colonoscopy Before Your Deductible Resets

Have you met your deductible already? Schedule your colonoscopy before the end of the calendar year to take full advantage of your health plan’s benefits. Your deductible will reset in January, so contact your insurance company to verify your status.

Call a board-certified gastroenterologist and get on the schedule for your preventive colonoscopy screening before the year runs out.

Why is colonoscopy known as the gold standard for colon cancer prevention? It is because colonoscopy can detect and prevent colon cancer in a single test.

There are many colon cancer screening methods, but they are not equally effective. Although it is more invasive, colonoscopy includes a complete examination of the colon, and during the procedure, your doctor can remove precancerous polyps before they can develop into cancer.

Many people prefer less invasive stool tests for screening because they are quick and require no preparation. The challenge with these fecal immunochemical tests  (FIT) and fecal occult blood tests, however, is that they are less precise than colonoscopies. They can only detect blood in the stool. They cannot detect polyps or tumors, and they cannot prevent colon cancer development.

New Study Confirms Colonoscopy Lowers Colon Cancer Mortality

A recent study published in Gut BMJ confirms the importance of choosing a colonoscopy. You are twice as likely to develop deadly colon cancer if you have a positive stool test and decide to skip your follow-up colonoscopy.

Manuel Zorzi, MD, MSc, from the Veneto Tumor Registry, Azienda Zero, Padova, Italy, and colleagues conducted a study on patients aged 50 to 69 who took a fecal immunological-based colon cancer test (FIT). When comparing the incidence and mortality among patients who tested positive on their FIT, Zorzi found the ten-year cumulative mortality for colon cancer was 6.8 per 1,000 for patients who completed a diagnostic colonoscopy and 16 per 1,000 for patients who did not.

“The excess risk of [colon cancer] death among those not completing colonoscopy after a positive fecal occult blood test should prompt screening programs to adopt effective interventions to increase compliance in this high-risk population,” said Zorzi.

Choose the Best Colon Cancer Screening for Your Health

Colon cancer is common, but it is preventable. Nothing works better than a colonoscopy to reduce your risk for the disease. Both the American Cancer Society and the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) changed their recommended age for baseline colon cancer screenings from 50 to 45 for all adults at average risk for colon cancer, so you may be due for a screening.

Many patients worry about the cost of a colonoscopy, but most insurance plans will pay for a screening colonoscopy. Stool tests are also considered screening exams. However, if the stool test comes back positive, the next step is a follow-up colonoscopy. This time, the procedure will be considered a diagnostic test, and the patient will have more financial responsibility. Therefore, it makes more sense to get a free or low-cost screening colonoscopy up front than to pay more for a diagnostic procedure later.

Yes, a colonoscopy takes more effort. It does require a day off work and bowel preparation, but the low-volume colon prep solution is much more palatable than it used to be. Moreover, depending on your test results, you may only have to repeat a colonoscopy every ten years. That’s better than a yearly stool test!

Colon Cancer Prevention Begins With an Expert GI Doctor

Schedule a colonoscopy today. Call our office to make an appointment for this potentially life-saving procedure.

If you’ve been avoiding a colonoscopy, don’t put it off any longer. Colonoscopy is much faster, safer, and more affordable than you might think. It’s essential to prioritize your health and schedule this life-saving procedure. One of the best decisions you can make for yourself and your family is to schedule a colon cancer screening today.

How Common is Colon Cancer?

Colon cancer is a growth that begins in the colon, also known as the large intestine. Most colon cancers start as a polyp, a tiny growth that forms on the colon’s inner lining.

This year alone, there will be an estimated 104,270 new cases of colon cancer and 45,230 new cases of rectal cancer in the United States. Colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in the country, and it disproportionately affects African Americans. The good news is that regular screenings can detect cancer in the early stages – and can even prevent the disease.

African Americans and Colon Cancer Risk

African Americans have a higher incidence of colon cancer than other racial and ethnic groups in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, African American individuals are 20 percent more likely to develop colon cancer and 40 percent more likely to die from the disease. Studies also show African Americans are at higher risk of developing polyps on the right side of the colon, which are often more challenging to detect.

There’s Always Enough Time for Colon Health

Studies show lack of time is one of the main reasons African Americans cite for not scheduling a colonoscopy. Many people assume they are healthy if they do not have any symptoms of illness, but colon cancer rarely displays symptoms in the early stages. By the time patients experience warning signs like altered bowel habits, rectal bleeding or abdominal pain, cancer could be in an advanced stage.

Putting off a screening may increase your risk for colon cancer. Young-onset colon cancer is on the rise, especially in the Black community. People under 50 are also more likely to develop aggressive tumors.

Colonoscopies Can Be Pain-Free

Fear of discomfort is another reason African Americans who were surveyed reported for avoiding colonoscopy. However, patients are sedated during the procedure to avoid discomfort. Among all colon cancer screening methods, colonoscopy is the most effective test for detecting and preventing cancer because it allows the doctor to remove polyps before they become cancerous.

Colonoscopies Can Be Affordable

Another concern many patients have reported is the cost of colon cancer screening. Due to the Affordable Care Act, most screening colonoscopies are free and don’t include a deductible or out-of-pocket payment. Talk with your doctor’s office about colonoscopy coverage since there may be requirements including age and prior history of polyps.

 Call a Gastroenterologist

No one looks forward to colon cancer screenings, but they are an essential part of preventive care. If you’ve been avoiding getting screened, don’t put it off any longer. A colon cancer screening is one of the most important gifts you can give your family – and yourself.

Call a GI center and make an appointment for a colon cancer screening.  A preventive test today can prevent expensive medical bills in the future.

Colon cancer screening rates are significantly lower among Hispanic Americans over 50, and Hispanic Americans are more likely to be diagnosed with colon cancer in advanced stages.

What Is Colon Cancer?

Colon cancer is a growth that begins in the colon, also known as the large intestine. Most colon cancers start as a polyp, a tiny growth that forms in the colon’s inner lining. Colon cancer often has no noticeable symptoms in the early stages. By the time warning signs occur, the cancer may be at an advanced stage.

Barriers to Colon Cancer Screening in Hispanic Populations

Studies show Hispanic Americans are less likely to get screened for colon cancer than Caucasians or African Americans. According to the National Colon Cancer Roundtable, one in two Hispanic adults between 50 and 75 years of age are not getting tested as recommended. Because of lower screening rates, colon cancer causes about 11 percent of cancer deaths among Hispanic males and nine percent among Hispanic females.

There are many possible obstacles to colon cancer screening in Hispanic populations:

1. Language barriers—Research shows language is a barrier to colon cancer screening. Many websites, including the American Gastroenterological Association, provide colonoscopy resources in Spanish.
2. Fewer doctor visits—Studies show Hispanic Americans are less likely to go to the doctor in the absence of sickness or symptoms.
3. Reluctance about screening procedures—Talking about colonoscopies and stool samples can feel embarrassing for many people.

Importance of Quality Colon Cancer Screening

Even though colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, most cases are preventable with proper screening. The American Cancer Society suggests that all adults at average risk for colon cancer begin screening at age 45. There are two basic screening methods:

1. Colonoscopy—A colonoscopy is the most effective screening test to prevent and detect colon cancer. This screening uses a narrow, lighted tube with a camera to view the colon and rectum. You will be asleep during the procedure. Your doctor can remove colon polyps during the exam, and this can help prevent you from getting colon cancer. If your test result is normal, you will not need another colonoscopy for ten years.
2. Stool test—You can perform a stool test, such as the fecal immunochemical test (FIT), at home. A stool test may detect small amounts of blood that you cannot see. Blood in the stool can sometimes indicate colon cancer. You can receive a kit that allows you to collect a small amount of stool and send it to a lab to test for hidden blood. If your test is positive, you will then need to have a colonoscopy.

Common Myths About Colon Cancer and Colonoscopies

There are many misunderstandings and beliefs surrounding colon cancer, colon cancer screening and colonoscopy. Often, these myths prevent people from getting screened. Here are some common misconceptions about the disease and screening, along with facts about colon cancer and colonoscopy.

Myth	Truth
“Colon cancer is a man’s disease.”	Colon cancer affects both genders. Men and women are both at risk for developing colon cancer.
“Colonoscopies take too much time. I will miss work, and I can’t afford that.”	You will only need to miss one day of work for a colonoscopy. There are also other screening options that do not require you to miss work.
“I can’t afford a colonoscopy.”	There are many ways to get a low-cost or free colonoscopy. Insurance covers colonoscopy screenings.
“Colonoscopies are not safe.”	The risk of injury during a colonoscopy is low. Not getting screened at all puts you at high risk for a deadly disease.
“Doctors just want money. They don’t care about my health.”	GI physicians work to save lives through colonoscopies. They want you to feel comfortable and confident about your upcoming procedure, so write down your questions and concerns and discuss them with your provider.
“I can’t get a colonoscopy because it’s too embarrassing.”	GI physicians and their teams perform colonoscopies on patients all the time, so there’s no need to be embarrassed! Besides, having a colonoscopy is the best way to prevent colon cancer. If you get a clean bill of health, you may not have to repeat the test for another 10 years.
“I don’t understand the procedure. I don’t feel like I’m in control.”	Ask your doctor for information like pamphlets and websites that can help you be more informed.

 

For the sake of your health and your family, call today to make an appointment with your gastroenterologist. Colonoscopies save lives, so schedule yours today.

Undergoing colorectal cancer (CRC) screenings starting at age 45 could be a new lease on life for millions of people in the United States.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) on May 18 released its final recommendation to lower the colorectal screening age from 50 to 45, providing an opportunity for earlier detection and prevention of the disease. The USPSTF is an independent, volunteer panel of national experts in disease prevention and evidence-based medicine.

“The incidence of colorectal cancer in 45-year-olds is the same as it was in 50-year-olds when the screening benefit for age 50 was implemented,” said John Popp Jr., MD, Medical Director for AMSURG. “Dropping the age to 45 may get those 50 and older screened earlier. We have found in our AMSURG data that the average age for initial screening is about 58.”

Increase in Cases

Colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States. The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates 104,270 new cases of colon cancer and 45,230 new cases of rectal cancer will be diagnosed this year.

The number of colorectal cancer cases have been increasing since the mid-1980s in adults ages 20-39 and since the mid-1990s in adults ages 40-54, according to the ACS.

“In 2020, about 12 percent of all cases of CRC occurred in the under 50 year old population. Furthermore, patients diagnosed prior to age 50 were more likely to have advanced disease at diagnosis,” Popp noted.

The task force also recommends people ages 45 to 75 should undergo screenings, while individuals ages 76 to 85 should be screened based on the patient’s situation.

According to the USPSTF, “These recommendations apply to adults without symptoms and who do not have a personal history of colorectal polyps or a personal or family health history of genetic disorders that increase the risk of colorectal cancer.”

Screenings

Colorectal cancer is highly treatable when diagnosed in the early stages. For screenings, the task force recommends direct visualization tests (colonoscopy) and stool-based tests.

Individuals with any abnormal stool-based test result must follow up with a colonoscopy to see whether they have cancer or polyps which might become cancer.

Colorectal cancer is preventable through routine colonoscopy, the gold standard for colon screenings.

“The best screening test is the one that gets done, but colonoscopy is the only test that can prevent CRC by removing premalignant polyps,” Popp said.

The Affordable Care Act of 2010 requires both private insurers and Medicare to cover the costs of colorectal cancer screening tests, because these tests are recommended by the USPSTF. To avoid any confusion, contact your health insurance agent or employer’s human resources department.

Early Diagnosis

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. The disease is expected to cause about 52,980 deaths this year, according to the ACS.

Avoiding delays in diagnosis is important, Popp said, noting that there could be 40 percent fewer deaths if the stage at diagnosis could shift from stage 4 to stage 3.

An increase in screenings and improved treatments through the years has led to more than 1.5 million survivors of colorectal cancer in the United States, according to the ACS.

Individuals beginning screenings at age 45 will help doctors to diagnose more cases earlier and possibly prevent colorectal cancer in many patients.