Colorectal Cancer Screening Month: Screening & Prevention Are Key
March marks Colorectal Cancer Screening Month, a crucial time to raise awareness about one of the most preventable yet deadly cancers. At Premier Surgical Associates in Knoxville, Cleveland, and Johnson CIty, Tennessee, we’re committed to educating our community about the importance of early detection and prevention in the fight against colorectal cancer.
Understanding the Impact
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 53,000 Americans lose their lives to this disease each year. However, there’s hope: when detected early, colorectal cancer is often treatable and curable. In fact, there are more than 1.5 million colorectal cancer survivors in the United States today.
The Power of Early Detection
The key to improving survival rates lies in early detection. The American Cancer Society now recommends colorectal cancer screening for adults beginning at age 45, and even earlier for those with a family history of colorectal cancer or inflammatory bowel disease. This shift in guidelines reflects the increasing incidence of colorectal cancer in younger adults and the proven benefits of early screening.
Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms
While regular screening is crucial, it’s also important to be aware of potential signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer. These may include:
- Ongoing constipation or diarrhea
- Rectal bleeding
- Blood in the stool
- Changes in bowel habits
- Abdominal pain
- Unexplained weight loss
It’s important to note that sometimes colorectal cancer may have no symptoms at all, which is why regular screening is so vital.
Screening Options
Several screening options are available, each with its own benefits:
- Colonoscopy: Considered the gold standard, this procedure allows for both detection and removal of polyps.
- Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT): A non-invasive annual test that checks for hidden blood in the stool.
- Stool DNA Test: Looks for both blood and DNA changes in the stool.
- Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: Examines the lower part of the colon.
Your healthcare provider can help determine which screening method is best for you based on your individual risk factors and medical history.
Prevention Strategies
While screening is crucial, prevention plays an equally important role. You can reduce your risk of colorectal cancer by:
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Exercising regularly
- Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
- Limiting red and processed meats
- Avoiding excessive alcohol consumption
- Quitting smoking
Treatment Options
If colorectal cancer is detected, treatment options depend on the stage of the cancer and other individual factors. Potential treatments, include:
- Surgery: For early-stage cancers, minimally invasive techniques can often be used to remove polyps or small cancers during a colonoscopy.
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation Therapy
- Immunotherapy
If surgery is necessary, our team of experienced Premier surgeons works closely with oncologists and other specialists to create a personalized treatment plan for each patient.
Take Action This March
This Colorectal Cancer Screening Month, we urge you to take charge of your health. If you’re 45 or older and haven’t been screened, schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider. If you’re younger but have risk factors or concerns, don’t hesitate to discuss screening options.
For more information about colon and rectal cancer and our Premier Surgeons who specialize in the treatment of it, please visit: https://www.premiersurgical.com/specialties/colon-and-rectal-surgery/