The KEY to Preventing Colon Cancer

by Dr. Brie Woodruff

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month!  According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. in all genders combined.   Approximately 153,000 people are diagnosed with CRC annually and 52,500 individuals die from this cancer.

Now you may be wondering what can you do to prevent colon cancer. Screening is KEY in preventing and treating colon cancer! But, before we talk about screening, let’s talk about the most common risk factors and symptoms associated with it.

What are the most common risk factors?

When looking to prevent colon cancer it is important to understand the things that are and are not in our control.

Non-modifiable Risk Factors (things you can not change)

• Risk increases with age (it is most common in adults aged 45 and older)

• Family history of colorectal cancer or personal history of polyps

• History of inflammatory bowel disease (such as Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis) increases your risk

Modifiable lifestyle factors (things you can change)

• Lack of regular physical activity

• Low amounts of fruits and vegetables in your meals

• Low-fiber & high-fat diet

• Being overweight or obese

• Alcohol consumption

• Tobacco use / cigarette smoking

What are the Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer?

The number one symptom is NO SYMPTOMS which is why screening is so important.

Those who do experience symptoms may have*:

• Stomach pain, aches, or cramps that do not go away

• Blood in the stool

• Changes in bowel habits or stool shape

• Diarrhea or constipation

• Stools that are narrower than usual

• Feelings of being very tired or weak

• Unexplained weight loss

• *These symptoms can be attributed to other conditions as well, and if you are experiencing any of these symptoms schedule an appointment with one of our providers.

Screening for Colorectal Cancer:

Screening is important because it can catch colorectal cancer early when treatment is most effective – or even prevent it.

Screening is recommended to start at age 45 in average risk adults and continue through age 75. There are two main options for colon cancer screening which we’ll discuss below.

Common Types of Screening

• Stool-based Tests

  • Benefits

    • Can be done and collected at home

    • Low Cost

    • No bowel prep required

  • Down-sides

    • Has to be done more frequently:

    • Yearly for fecal immunochemical (FIT) test

    • Every 3 years for multi-targeted stool DNA test (Cologuard)

    • Can miss many polyps

    • Any abnormal result needs to be followed up with a colonoscopy

• Visual Exam Tests ( ie colonoscopy)

  • Benefits

    • Considered the ‘gold standard’ for colorectal cancer screening

    • If normal, only has to be done every 10 years

    • Can remove and test polyps

  • Down-sides

    • Done in provider’s office

    • Requires bowel prep

    • If abnormal, will need to be performed more frequently

Takeaways:

There are differences in types of tests offered (including cost, especially if uninsured) but the most important thing is to get screened, no matter what test you choose!

To learn more about preventing colon cancer or to get set up for your screening, schedule and appointment with me or one of the other providers in clinic.

See you in clinic,

Dr. Woodruff

References:

Data provided by American Cancer Society CRC Facts and Figures 2023-2025.