Did you know that the second-leading cause of cancer death in the United States is one of the most preventable cancers? About 90 percent of colon cancer cases and deaths may be preventable, but millions of adults are not getting screened and are at risk for this life-threatening disease.
Study Suggests Millions of Americans Need Colon Cancer Screening
The lifetime risk of developing colon cancer is approximately five percent, or one in 20. New research published in JAMA Network Open found that there are approximately 57.1 to 59.6 million individuals aged 45 to 85 who are eligible for screening.
Despite the common belief that colon and rectal cancer only affect older individuals, it can impact people of all ages. Cases diagnosed before age 50 (called early-onset) have increased consistently in recent decades, but the reasons behind this trend remain unclear.
Approximately 20 percent of colon cancer diagnoses are linked to heredity, like Lynch syndrome and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). The other 80 percent may result from environmental factors such as alcohol and tobacco use and a low-fiber and high-fat diet.
Due to the rise in early-onset colon cancer cases, the American Cancer Society advises individuals with an average risk of developing the disease to start undergoing regular screenings at age 45.
Deficits in Colon Cancer Screenings
Many Americans are not up to date on colorectal cancer screening, leading to millions not receiving necessary medical care.
Derek W. Ebner, MD, of the division of gastroenterology and hepatology at the Mayo Clinic, conducted a study of people between 45 and 85 who were at average risk for colon cancer. In that sample, 59.3 percent to 61.8 percent were current on screening.
“We hope our estimates can support policy makers and health care stakeholders to advance initiatives surrounding colorectal cancer screening to prevent this disease or identify it earlier when more can be done to treat it,” Dr. Ebner said.
What Are the Screening Options for Colon Cancer?
Two main categories of colon cancer screening methods are tests that analyze stool samples and visual examinations. All tests have different risks and benefits.
- Stool-based tests — These tests are non-invasive and check for signs of cancer in a stool sample. You must repeat these tests more often. Examples of stool-based tests include the following:
- Fecal immunochemical test (FIT) — You must repeat this test every year.
- FIT/Stool DNA test — You must repeat this test every three years.
- Guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (gFOBT) — You must repeat this test every year.
- Visual exams — These cancer screening tests look for abnormalities in the structure of the rectum and colon. Examples of visual exams include the following:
- Colonoscopy — This is the gold standard for colon cancer screening because a doctor can remove pre-cancerous polyps during the procedure and reduce the risk of cancer. If you do not have polyps, you may not need to repeat the test for 10 years.
- CT colonography — This screening must be repeated every five years.
- Sigmoidoscopy — This must be repeated every five years.
Which Colorectal Cancer Screening Method Is Best?
Many tests can screen for colon cancer, but a colonoscopy can detect, diagnose and remove polyps in the same procedure, making it the gold standard of screening methods.
Often, the best colon cancer screening is the one that gets done. Because screening rates are lower than they should be, any colon cancer screening is better than no colon cancer screening.
Stool-based tests have the benefit of being non-invasive and convenient. Many average-risk patients prefer a stool test because it does not require preparation, diet changes or sedation. If you receive an abnormal result from a stool-based test, it is important to follow up with a colonoscopy (American Cancer Society). Follow-up is recommended within six months after an abnormal test result.
Lifestyle Factors That Affect Colon Cancer Risk
Since most colon cancers are not hereditary, you can make choices that affect your personal risk. Actionable steps you can take to prevent colon cancer include the following:
- Eat a diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fiber.
- Decrease your intake of red meat like beef, pork and lamb and processed meat such as hot dogs and deli meats.
- Get daily exercise. Obesity is linked to colon cancer risk, so a healthy BMI will reduce your risk.
- Manage your weight. A healthy BMI will make you less prone to obesity, which can make you more likely to develop colon cancer.
- Do not smoke or use tobacco.
- Avoid alcohol. Alcohol use increases your risk of colon and rectal cancer, so it is best to not drink.
- Get screened for colorectal cancer starting at age 45 if you are at average risk.
Is It Time for Your Colon Cancer Screening?
Many insurance plans cover screening colonoscopies for patients starting at age 45. Contact your insurance provider to confirm coverage. Colonoscopy prep has never been easier, thanks to the low-dose prep solution.
If you have risk factors or a family history of the disease, talk to your doctor about screening earlier. If you have digestive symptoms, see your healthcare provider for evaluation.
Ask your gastroenterologist for more information about colon cancer screening, inflammatory bowel disease or other digestive system conditions. Call today to make an appointment.