Colorectal cancer: Four ways to help reduce the risk

According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in both men and women and the third leading cause of cancer-related death in men and women combined. Colorectal cancers include colon cancer, the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S., and also cancers that form in the rectum.

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness month and blue is the awareness ribbon color. The acronym B-L-U-E can help you remember four key ways to reduce your risk for colon and rectal cancer all year long.

For more information about our advanced colorectal cancer services, call askSARAH at (972) 202-8877.

B: Be screened at the appropriate time

Colorectal cancer is treatable, especially when found in early stages, before it has spread to the lymph nodes or to another organ like the liver.

• Routine screening tests can detect colorectal cancer in its early stages, when you may not have any symptoms. Colonoscopies can prevent colorectal cancer by allowing the doctor to remove pre-cancerous polyps (small growths) during the procedure, before they develop into cancer.
• There are several tests that screen for colorectal cancer, from at-home stool sample tests to medical procedures such as a colonoscopy. Colonoscopies are considered the gold standard for colorectal cancer detection by many professional organizations. Learn about all the screening options and talk with your doctor about which test is right for you.
• The current American Cancer Society guidelines recommend starting colorectal cancer screening at age 45 for those at average risk. People with a family history and other risk factors may need to start screening at an earlier age.
• If you are uninsured or underinsured, you may be able to get financial assistance from Colorectal Cancer Alliance, Colonoscopy Assist or charitable programs in your community.

L: Learn about the symptoms of colorectal cancer

Symptoms of colorectal cancer can sometimes be mild, vague or not present at all, especially in earlier stages. Some symptoms of colorectal cancer are similar to different digestive diseases and other conditions. These symptoms may not alert you or your doctor that anything is wrong.

Symptoms of colorectal cancer may include one or more of the following:

• Unexplained or unplanned weight loss
• Blood in your stool, in the toilet bowl or on the toilet paper when you wipe
  • Rectal bleeding can be caused by hemorrhoids, but it can also be misdiagnosed, which delays the detection of a possible cancer
• Frequent cramps or pain in your abdomen (belly) or lower back
• Changes in stool shape or how often you have a bowel movement

Don’t wait to get tested if you have symptoms and you are not yet 45 years old. Colorectal cancer is on the rise in young adults. It is often misdiagnosed and found in later stages in people under 50 years of age. It is important to pay attention to your body and report changes to your doctor.

U: Understand your risk factors

Colorectal cancer can develop in people with or without any risk factors. It is important to know your risks, including your family history, to help you make the right choices to reduce your chance of getting colorectal cancer.

• Most colorectal cancers occur in people without a family history, but approximately 20% of people have at least one close relative who have had it. You are considered higher risk if you have a first degree relative (parent, sibling or child) diagnosed with colorectal cancer, especially before 50 years old, or multiple blood relatives diagnosed. Screening may be recommended 10 years younger than the age your relative was diagnosed. You may also be advised to get genetic testing.
• People with a personal history of pre-cancerous polyps or colorectal cancer are at higher risk and should be tested and monitored more frequently than the person with average risk.
• People with a family or personal history of a hereditary cancer syndrome, such as lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), are at higher risk for colorectal cancer and should be screened earlier. Seek genetic testing and counseling and see a specialist, such as a gastroenterologist, if these cancer syndromes run in your family.
• People with inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease), for eight or more years, will require screening colonoscopies every one to three years.
• There are other risk factors for colorectal cancer but they are not considered reasons for early screening. These include being physically inactive, overweight or obese, routinely consuming red or processed meats, using tobacco products and drinking.

E: Eliminate bad lifestyle habits and elevate good ones to reduce your risk

The risk for getting colorectal cancer can be reduced by making lifestyle changes and getting recommended screening tests. There are steps you can take to help reduce your risk.

• Don’t use tobacco products
• Be physically active and exercise routinely
• Don’t sit for long periods; get up every 30 to 60 minutes and walk for 5 minutes
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Eat a diet high in fruits and vegetables and whole grains and fiber
• Reduce the amount of red and processed meats that you eat such as beef, deli meat, bacon and hot dogs
• Limit how much alcohol you drink

Learn about our advanced colorectal cancer services in North Texas.

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