Colorectal cancer includes cancers of the colon or rectum. It’s America’s second leading cause of cancer-related deaths, and diagnoses in younger people are at record rates and growing. With no early warning signs, screening is crucial — especially with certain risk factors.
Of course, it’s not easy talking about colon cancer with family, friends or even your favorite doctor. But your doctor cares and is happy to talk with you about easy steps that could save your life. March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, so it’s a great time to take the next steps and learn how to reduce your risk factors.
How to Prevent Colorectal Cancer
There’s a lot you can do to lower your risks and raise your awareness of colorectal cancer. Not sure where to start? Three things top the list:
- Don’t delay getting checked if you see symptoms, especially bloody stool.
- Get colorectal tests and screening appropriate for your age and risk factors.
- Know the warning signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer.
Doctors can provide at-home test kits to examine stool samples and smart technologies to see (and remove) small pre-cancerous or cancerous growths. Larger tumors are treatable, too, especially when you discover cancer early.
AdventHealth is home to leaders like Christopher Keeler, DO, a board-certified general surgeon in Tavares. Dr. Keeler is proficient in minimally invasive and robotic-assisted techniques for his surgeries.
“Today’s advanced technologies make a huge difference,” Dr. Keeler said. “We can prevent or treat cancer earlier. And when surgery is needed, approaches such as robotic-assisted surgery enable accurate treatment with faster, easier recovery.”
Learn more about colorectal cancer and how early detection can save lives.
Prevent Colorectal Cancers by Knowing the Facts
These red flags may mean your risk of colorectal cancer is higher:
- Family history of colorectal cancer, especially at early ages
- Heavy alcohol use
- Inactivity
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBS), such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
- Obesity
- Poor nutrition, especially diets high in red or processed meat
- Smoking
Dr. Keeler says, “Thankfully, you can help minimize some risk factors by abstaining from alcohol, increasing your exercise levels, quitting smoking and eating a nutrient-rich diet.”
Changing Trends and Rising Risks
“In recent years, colorectal cancer rates have been falling in older age groups. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), more people are getting screened and making lifestyle changes that decrease their risk factors,” says Dr. Keeler. However, colorectal cancer rates are now rising among younger people, and men continue to have a slightly higher risk than women.
Colorectal cancer also disproportionately affects the Black community. Their rates are the highest of any racial/ethnic group in America. African Americans are about 20% more likely to develop colorectal cancer.
New Screening Guidelines
“The ACS now recommends screening for colorectal cancer start at age 45. Depending on the screening type, your age, results and risk factors, screenings should be done every year or every five to 10 years,” says Dr. Keeler. Ask your doctor or care team what they recommend for you.
Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer You Can’t Ignore
If you have colorectal cancer symptoms, seek expert help about warning signs — especially blood in your stool or rectal bleeding.
Signs of colorectal cancer can include:
- Abdominal cramps
- Anemia
- Bloating
- Blood in the toilet after a bowel movement
- Changes in bowel habits
- Low back pain
- Unexplained fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
- Urge to have a bowel movement when there’s no need
Colorectal Cancer Screening Tests
Screening tests can find cancer early when treatment is most effective. They can even prevent cancer because doctors can remove polyps that might become cancerous later.
Visual Colorectal Exams
Visual procedures let specialists look inside the colon and rectum. They use a camera-guided instrument or imaging device. Types of exams include:
- Colonoscopy: This procedure lets providers view your entire colon and rectum. They insert a thin, flexible tube into the rectum to find and remove abnormal growths.
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy: This is like a colonoscopy but uses a shorter tube to check only the lower third of the colon. Doctors sometimes combine it with a stool test.
Stool Tests
Your doctor may recommend an annual stool test. Test options include:
- DNA stool test: This combines the FIT with a test for altered DNA. Your doctor provides a home test kit.
- Fecal immunochemical test (FIT): Antibodies detect blood in the stool. Your doctor provides a home test kit.
- Guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (gFOBT): A chemical detects blood in the stool. Samples are collected via a take-home test kit.
If your doctor recommends screening for colorectal cancer, it’s best to take action right away, as catching cancer earlier puts you on the best path to recovery.
Colorectal Treatments
Dr. Keeler says, “If diagnosed early, colorectal cancer has a five-year survival rate of about 90%.” The primary treatment is surgery, though doctors use chemotherapy for advanced colon cancer. Other approaches include radiation therapy, immunotherapy and targeted drug therapy.
Schedule an Appointment
Peace of mind comes with getting a clean bill of health. Our AdventHealth specialists will discuss your findings and offer a specialized consultation. Visit us here to schedule an appointment with Dr. Keeler to take your next step in preventive health care. You deserve to feel whole.
