The Screening Is Simple, Colorectal Cancer Isn’t
Colorectal cancer is considered preventable, but screening for it is too often put off. Unfortunately, this type of cancer is a serious health concern that affects thousands of people each year, and ignoring the facts doesn’t make them go away.
Understand the risk factors
When it comes to complex conditions, many variables are at play. Risk factors both in and out of a person’s control can affect the likelihood of developing colorectal cancer, including:
- Smoking
- Drinking alcohol
- Lack of exercise
- Unhealthy diet
- Obesity
- Family history
- Inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis)
- Type 2 diabetes
However, there isn’t always a rhyme or reason that a person develops cancer. This is why regular screening is so important.
Know what you’re looking for
For some, colorectal cancer doesn’t produce any symptoms at all. For others, it can make its presence known through some common signals. Pay close attention to the messages you may be receiving from your body, especially if it’s any of the following:
- Changes in bowel habits
- Rectal bleeding or blood in stool
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Unexplained weight loss
- Iron-deficiency anemia
The importance of early detection
Screening is the most powerful tool for early detection. When identified at an early stage, the chances of successful treatment may be significantly higher. The guidelines for colorectal screening have been revised to start at age 45 instead of 50 for this reason.
The American Cancer Society recommends that individuals at average risk begin regular screenings at age 45.
This differs for those at increased or high risk, who are advised to begin before age 45 with more frequent and specific tests. For these individuals, their physician is their best resource for determining when and how to screen.
No longer an ‘older adult’ issue
Colorectal cancer has become a growing concern for younger age groups, meaning adults under 50. A study found that diagnoses among those under 50 have increased over time.*
This study also found that there were four “red-flag” symptoms that were most common in those diagnosed with early-onset colorectal cancer. Those four symptoms being abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, diarrhea and iron deficiency anemia. When experienced separately or intermittently, these warning signs can easily be brushed off as less-urgent issues, when they may be attributed to something as serious as colorectal cancer.
Procrastination could cost you more than you think – get screened.