March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is expected to cause about 50,630 deaths during 2018. Knowing the proper information, including your own risk factors and getting screened as needed could save and add years to your life. We encourage you to take a few minutes, read, and start with these basics.

What is colorectal cancer?

Both the colon, which is about six feet long, and the rectum are parts of the large intestine and the body’s digestive system. Every day our bodies in general, including the digestive system, undergo massive processes of destruction and repair because our cells wear out and need to be replaced. In the complex processes of replacing cells, errors may occur, and cancer of the colon and rectum start when these processes of normal replacement go awry. As these abnormal cells grow and divide and multiply, they can lead to growths inside the colon called polyps. Often these polyps grow slow and may be precancerous tumors that don’t produce symptoms. Over time, some of these polyps can become cancerous, which is how most colorectal cancers begin: silent.

Catch me if you can, says the polyp.

So how are you supposed to catch these polyps before they turn to cancer if there are no symptoms? There is only one way: screening. Doctors recommend regular screening tests to help prevent colon cancer by identifying and removing polyps before they turn into cancer. We cannot stress enough the importance of screening. Screening can range from a simple test in the doctor’s office to an outpatient procedure in the hospital. The type of screening to be done is determined by you and your doctor. Learn more about screening options.

Eventually, symptoms may appear if the polyp becomes cancerous and isn’t caught. It’s easy to write off a few of the symptoms as “something else” without considering the possibility of cancer. Remember, this is not about inducing fear. It’s about raising awareness.

Symptoms of colorectal cancer

• Changes in your bowel habits, including diarrhea and constipation or a change in the consistency of your stool as just “looking different”, that lasts longer than 4 weeks.
• Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool.
• Dark patches of blood that can be black or tarry in or on your stool.
• Long, thin “pencil stools.”
• Persistent abdominal discomfort, such as cramps, gas, bloating or pain.
• Cramping pain in the rectum.
• Unexplained fatigue, weight loss, and loss of appetite.
• Pelvic pain

Sure, “something else” may be causing some of the symptoms listed. Either way, with these symptoms, you will need to be evaluated by your doctor to determine exactly what is happening in your body. Don’t assume anything. Get checked out. As with all diseases, there are risk factors. And these risk factors make a person more prone to developing colorectal cancer.

Risk factors of colorectal disease:

• Older age – colon cancer is often diagnosed in people over 50, but it can occur in younger year.
• African-American race have a greater risk factor.
• A personal history of colorectal cancer or polyps.
• Inflammatory intestinal conditions (such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease).
• Family history of colon cancer.
• Low-fiber, high-fat diet.
• Sedentary lifestyle.
• History of diabetes.
• Being overweight.
• Smoking.
• Excessive alcohol use.

Prevention is key.

Pay attention to your body and its signs. People with no history of colon cancer and are low in the risk category can begin screening at age 50. Those with risk factors and family history may need earlier screening. The most important thing to remember is that not all polyps are cancerous, but almost every colorectal cancer starts from a polyp. And, the only way to find a polyp is to be screened. Catching a polyp early can save your life.

If you’ve read the risk factors and have identified some in your own life, change the ones you can – like poor diet and lack of exercise and too much alcohol and too many cigarettes. Modify your lifestyle enough to take small steps toward larger ones. You can do it, and if you feel you can’t, there is help out there. You are never alone. Need help quitting smoking? Doctors On Call offers a Smoking Cessation Program.

Doctors on Call is here for all of your screening needs. If you are experiencing symptoms or are over 50 and have never been screened, don’t delay. Please, make your appointment today by calling 330-386-6339. There is no wrong time to be screened. We are accepting new patients. We look forward to keeping you healthy.