March brings us more than just the start of spring; it’s also the time to focus on a major health concern that affects thousands every year: Colorectal cancer.
Colorectal cancer is the third most common type of cancer diagnosed in both men and women worldwide and a leading cause of cancer deaths, yet many of us may not know much about the disease until it’s too late.
Colorectal cancer is expected to claim more than 53,000 lives in the U.S. this year. While the American Cancer Society reports the death rate from cases has been declining in older adults in recent decades, deaths in people under age 55 have been increasing about 1% a year since the mid-2000s.
Awareness is key in the battle against this prevalent and potentially deadly, yet very treatable disease.
About 70% of the cases of colorectal cancer arise in the colon, with the remaining cases starting in the rectum. The colon and the rectum are organs that belong to the digestive system. They are responsible for extracting water and salt from waste, solidifying it and readying it for elimination from the body.
Understanding the risk factors associated with colorectal cancer is crucial for prevention.
The most important risk factor is aging. Incidence of the disease increases rapidly after age 50. We are, however, seeing more cases in younger adults for unknown reasons. Family history of colorectal cancer or adenomatous colon polyps, especially in first-degree relatives, is a well-documented risk factor, as well as certain genetic syndromes such as Lynch syndrome or damilial adenomatous polyposis syndrome (FAP). Lifestyle choices, including a diet high in red meat and highly processed foods, low fiber intake, lack of physical activity and tobacco smoking, are also known contributors to the development of colorectal cancer.
Recognizing the early symptoms of the disease is important for early detection, which in turn significantly improves therapeutic outcomes. Persistent abdominal discomfort, change in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss and blood in the stools are some warning signs that should not be ignored. Individuals should be aware of these symptoms and seek medical attention if they arise.
Routine screening for colorectal cancer is instrumental in detecting precancerous polyps or early-stage colon cancer while it is highly treatable. A colonoscopy remains the gold standard for screening. It is both a diagnostic and therapeutic method; if polyps are detected, they can be removed at the time of the procedure. Colonoscopy is an invasive procedure, and it involves preparation and sedation. As with all invasive procedures, there are risks associated with it, but they are all very rare.
There are other noninvasive methods to screen for colorectal cancer, which are primarily stool tests that detect blood or DNA in the stool. There is ongoing research occurring for blood tests that will detect evidence of colon cancer in the peripheral blood.
If colon cancer is detected, the treatment will most likely involve surgery and chemotherapy, with the potential for radiation treatment as well.
We know that screening for colon cancer saves lives and can lead to early detection and prevention of colon cancer. By educating the public about risk factors, early symptoms and the significance of routine screening, we can succeed in minimizing the adverse impact of colon cancer to human health.
Harry Elvanides, MD, is a gastroenterologist with Beverly Hospital, part of Beth Israel Lahey Health.