Colorectal Cancer is Preventable, have you Scheduled your Colonoscopy?

Although March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, as a gastroenterologist I speak with my patients about the importance of colonoscopies and reducing their colon cancer risk factors every day.

Colon cancer is one of only a few cancers that can be prevented through routine screenings. A colonoscopy is considered the gold standard in screening because it allows the doctor to both examine the colon and rectum and remove polyps, which are abnormal growths that can turn into cancer.

Among cancers that affect both men and women, colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were 141,902 new cases of colorectal cancer were reported in 2021, and that number is rising.

Increasing awareness of when colorectal cancer screening should start, understanding your family history and the importance of a healthy lifestyle are imperative.

The risk of developing colorectal cancer increases with age and, unfortunately, there are rarely any symptoms of the disease until it has reached an advanced stage. According to the CDC more than 90 percent of cases occur in people who are ages 50 and older. In recent years there has also been an alarming rise in people under 50 developing colon cancer.

According to the American Cancer Society, adults should begin colonoscopy screenings at age 45. Anyone with a family history of the disease should speak with their physician about starting earlier. Colon cancer is highly treatable if caught early, which is why it is essential to follow screening guidelines.

Another important consideration to lower your risk factors is good nutrition and regular exercise. Diets that are rich in nuts, fruits, vegetables and lean proteins can reduce colon cancer risk and improve your overall health. I also encourage my patients to exercise on a regular basis; the American Cancer Society recommends between 150-300 minutes of moderate physical activity per week. It’s also vital to limit alcohol, quit smoking, and reduce red meat, excessive sugar and processed food intake.

If you’re at the age where a colonoscopy is recommended, I encourage you to call your doctor today to make an appointment to get screened. Together, we can make a difference in reducing the number of people being diagnosed with colon cancer.