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