Most people are uncomfortable talking about their colorectal health or getting a colonoscopy, but doing so could save your life.
March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Make this the month you put embarrassment aside and talk to your physician about this very important part of your overall health. In this article, we’ll arm you with information to help you start the conversation.
TAKING A CLOSER LOOK AT PROACTIVE MEASURES FOR COLORECTAL HEALTH
Gurkarminder Sandhu, MD, Gastroenterologist, on the medical staff at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – McKinney advised “taking proactive measures to achieve optimum colorectal health.” In addition to speaking with your doctor about screening guidelines, additional steps and strategies can include:
• Adopting a whole foods diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains
• Limiting red and processed meats
• Incorporating 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise weekly and restricting alcohol consumption and avoiding other drug use and smoking
RECOGNIZING WARNING SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS FOR POTENTIAL GI ISSUES
Early warning signs should prompt timely consultation with a healthcare professional, stated Anthonia Adewole MD, FACS, FASCRS, Colon and Rectal Surgeon, on the medical staff at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Centennial. She shared that warning signs may include:
- visible blood in stool
- anemia
- fatigue
- abdominal pain
- unintentional weight loss
- changes in bowel habits
EARLY DETECTION AND SCREENING OPTIONS ASSIST YOU IN YOUR COLORECTAL HEALTH JOURNEY
On examining the landscape of colorectal cancer trends, each physician recommended screening begin at age 45 for most individuals with average-risk.
Dr. Sandhu added, for those with a family history of colon cancer or multiple cancers such as breast, uterine, and ovarian— genetic screenings are essential. These genetics tests can identify genetic susceptibility or rare genetic conditions, such as Lynch syndrome, which predisposes an individual to colon cancer at a younger age. For patients with increased risk factors, their provider may recommend screenings begin at an earlier age.
"Unfortunately, there are colon cancers that may be silent and do not have any warning symptoms until it is in advanced stages. Individuals should consult with their provider to determine the optimal timing for a colonoscopy. This discussion should also encompass any symptoms or risk factors, such as family history that may necessitate further investigation,” stated Rassa Shahidzadeh, MD, FACG, Gastroenterologist, on the medical staff at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Plano.
WHAT ARE THE GENDER-SPECIFIC IMPACTS OF COLON CANCER?
Besides looking at things like family history and genetics, another factor to take into consideration regarding colorectal health is how colon cancer impacts men and women differently.
Dr. Adewole shared that inadequate access to healthcare services is linked to lower rates of screening for colorectal cancers in both men and women, yet research indicates a higher incidence of colorectal cancer in men compared with women. However, women may be more likely to experience cancers that would go undetected without screenings, due to delayed symptoms.
THE IMPORTANCE OF PATIENT INVOLVEMENT AND CONTINUANCE OF SCREENING AFTER AGE 75
The importance of patient-doctor collaboration is key for patients of all ages. Patients over the age of 75 should visit with their doctor about their individualized healthcare needs to determine whether it makes sense to continue screenings. Patient trust, perceived health risks and potential barriers to screening play crucial roles in this decision-making process.
For more information about colorectal health or to find a physician on the medical staff at a Baylor Scott & White facility, visit: www.bswhealth.com/find-care.
Physicians provide clinical services as members of the medical staff at one of Baylor Scott & White Health's subsidiary, community or affiliated medical centers and do not provide clinical services as employees or agents of those medical centers or Baylor Scott & White Health.
