The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 100,000 people will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer this year. Nearly half of those will die.
“If we find the cancer or its early-stage polyp soon enough, your health risk is greatly reduced,” said Ashtabula County Medical Center Gastroenterologist Ashok Kondru, MD. “More than 90 percent of those who are diagnosed early are cured. The problem is too many people wait until they begin to have multiple symptoms, and that means the cancer has already spread.”
Those symptoms include:
- Change in bowel habits – constipation or diarrhea that lasts more than a few days.
- Bloody stool, dark stool or rectal bleeding.
- Stool that is narrower or thinner than normal.
- Frequent abdominal discomfort – gas, bloating, cramps, feeling full.
- Sudden weight loss
- Weakness and fatigue
- Iron deficiency
“These symptoms are common to many health problems, which is why you should talk to your physician about any occurrence of these. Even if they are not caused by colorectal cancer, they can point to another serious health concerns,” Dr. Kondru said.
When you reach the age of 50 (45 for African Americans), your physician will recommend a screening for colorectal cancer every 10 years or more often if your health history or other risk factors suggest a greater likelihood you could develop cancer.
The screening is known as a colonoscopy, which is performed while you are sedated but conscious and awake. A long flexible tube with a camera and light on the end are inserted into the rectum and colon. The camera sends images back to a computer screen where the physician can see any signs of tumor or polyps.
“We can take biopsies to test for cancer, and we can use the same equipment to remove the polyps,” Dr. Kondru said.
The screenings are performed on an outpatient basis. Usually, you can have someone drive you home about an hour after the test.
Side effects include headache, nausea, and bloating.
You can reduce the risk of colorectal cancer by eating a healthy diet of fruits and vegetables, as well as by staying physically active, Dr. Kondru said.
“These steps are no guarantee you won’t develop cancer, but research shows people who are more active, maintain a healthy weight, avoid alcohol, and limit intake of red or processed meat are less likely to develop cancer,” he said.
Most insurance providers, including Medicare, pay for colorectal cancer screenings.
For more information about your risk for colorectal cancer, visit www.acmchealth.org and take the Colorectal Cancer Quiz under the Health Resources Health Tools tab.
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