March is COLON CANCER AWARENESS Month

Colon cancer is the second most deadly cancer in the US and the third most common cancer in the US, with more than 150,000 colorectal cancer diagnoses per year.

  • Things that increase the risk of CRC
    • Excess alcohol
    • Smoking
    • Obesity
    • Low fiber high red meat diet
    • Advancing age and family history of CRC
  • Screening should be more urgent with the following symptoms
    • Unintentional weight loss
    • Abdominal pain
    • Change in bowels
    • Blood in stool
    • Iron deficient anemia
  • Screening should start earlier if there is a family history of CRC, especially in a first degree relative who gets CRC before turning 60
  • Screening tests available are FIT, FIT/DNA (Cologuard) and colonoscopy – the best option. If FIT or FIT/DNA is positive then colonoscopy is recommended.
  • Start screening at age 45, but start earlier if there is family history of CRC
  • Colonoscopy should be done in average risk people every 10 years
  • Colonoscopy should done more frequently in those with precancerous colon polyps, positive family history, previous CRC or IBD – Crohn Disease or Ulcerative Colitis
  • Getting a colonoscopy at 75 is a shared decision between physician and patient, it’s recommended to stop colonoscopies at 85
  • How to prevent CRC
    • Normalize weight
    • Exercise
    • Avoid excess alcohol
    • Don’t smoke tobacco
    • Consume a high fiber diet
    • Avoid high processed foods
  • GET SCREENED