Early Diagnosis is Vital to Curing the Disease
Monitoring symptoms, recognizing unusual changes taking place in the body and following screening guidelines are among the best steps people can take to help prevent colorectal cancer, experts at ThedaCare advise.
Nearly five years after leading health groups united to recommend a younger screening age for colorectal cancer, rates of the disease in younger adults continue to increase.
A colonoscopy is a key tool in the effort to help reduce the numbers of younger people being diagnosed with the disease, said Dr. Maria Rossi, a Family Medicine Physician with ThedaCare Physicians-Menasha.
“The colonoscopy is considered the gold standard for colorectal cancer screening because it helps us to identify things that could potentially become cancer,” she said. “And if they’re identified, we can remove them and we can also prevent it from happening later on in life.”
Colorectal cancer occurs when cells in the colon or the rectum grow uncontrollably. Most colorectal cancers begin as polyps, small clumps of cells that form in the colon or rectum.
In 2018, the American Cancer Society (ACS) began recommending colorectal cancer screening for all adults of average risk starting at age 45, down from the previous recommendation of age 50. In May 2021, other major groups, including the United States Preventive Services Taskforce, adopted the same recommendation.
Screening Rates Need Improvement
Despite the guideline change, the ACS said approximately one in three adults of eligible age are not getting screened. Wisconsin has a colorectal screening rate of 73.4%, compared to 67.3% nationally. That percentage, however, lags behind the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable goal of at least 80%.
According to a recently released ACS study, colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer deaths among people younger than 50.
“This is an unfortunate trend that we’re seeing,” said Dr. Joseph Bovi, a Radiation Oncologist and Physician Chief of ThedaCare Cancer Care. “What we need to do is increase people’s recognition of the importance of screening. Screening helps. Most colorectal cancers can be cured if they’re diagnosed at early stages. That’s what screening is designed to do.”
Colorectal Cancer Risk Factors
Risk factors for colorectal cancer include but are not limited to older age, family history, genetic syndromes, a history of inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, diets heavy in red and processed meats and low in fiber, and smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
“Many of these risk factors are ones you can influence,” Dr. Bovi said. “Talk with your primary care provider about lifestyle changes you can make.” That includes simple changes, Dr. Rossi added.
“Eat a healthy diet that’s high in fiber and drink lots of water,” she said. “Prioritize fruits and vegetable and whole grains.”
She said exercising, maintaining a healthy weight, drinking alcohol in moderation, and quitting smoking, are also ways to help reduce one’s risk for colorectal cancer.
Colorectal Cancer Symptoms
Common symptoms of colorectal cancer include:
- A change in bowel habits that lasts for more than a few days
- Rectal bleeding with bright red blood
- Blood in the stool, which might make the stool look dark brown or black
- Cramping or abdominal pain
- Weakness and fatigue
- Unintended weight loss and iron-deficiency anemia
Discuss any concerning symptoms with a primary care physician or advanced practice provider, Dr. Rossi advised. “Younger adults included.”
There are screening options beyond a colonoscopy, although it remains the most effective tool, Dr. Bovi reiterated.
“The tried-and-true regimen is a colonoscopy, which most people have heard about,” he said. “And there are other opportunities for patients as well, like capsule endoscopy, DNA screening of your stool and screening your stool for blood.”
A primary care physician or advanced practice provider, can help determine the screening option that best meets a person’s needs.
Both medical experts advised against letting fear deter people from scheduling a colonoscopy.
“The reassuring thing is that if there was a small polyp or an early colon cancer that was found, it could be identified and taken care of at that moment,” Dr. Rossi said. “That can help prevent further concerns or the need for procedures later on.”
Those considering a colonoscopy are encouraged to contact their primary care provider for a referral or request an appointment here.
About ThedaCare
For more than 115 years, ThedaCare® has been improving the health and well-being of the communities it serves in northeast and central Wisconsin. The organization delivers care to more than 650,000 residents in 17 counties, and employs approximately 7,000 providers and team members at 180 points of care, including 10 hospitals. As an organization committed to being a leader in Population Health, team members are dedicated to empowering people to live their unique, best lives. ThedaCare is a not-for-profit health system with a level II trauma center, comprehensive cancer treatment, stroke and cardiac programs, as well as primary care. ThedaCare also partners with communities to understand needs, find solutions together, and encourage health awareness and action. ThedaCare is part of Froedtert ThedaCare, Wisconsin’s most comprehensive health care system.