Dr. Soe Min Tun
Morrison Cancer Center
Colorectal cancer. It’s pretty common. In fact it’s the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the US, according to the American Cancer Society.
Overall, men have a 1 in 23 chance and women a 1 in 25 chance of getting colorectal cancer. Those at higher risk may have a family history or inflammatory bowel disease. Other risk factors include obesity, type 2 diabetes, smoking, alcohol use, age, racial background and being a male at birth.
And no matter how common or why it occurs, a cancer diagnosis of any kind can be overwhelming and scary.
The good news is death rates from colorectal cancer have been dropping in older adults for several decades. Why? Screening.
More polyps are being found more often due to screening and more are removed before they can turn into cancer. Also, screening many times detects colorectal cancer earlier, making it easier to treat. In addition, treatments have gotten better.
The American Cancer Society recommends people of average risk start regular screening at age 45. Options for screening include a stool-based test and/or colonoscopy. The most important thing is to be screened, no matter which test is chosen. Everyone should talk with their healthcare provider about the best options considering their risk factors.
Many of us dread the colonoscopy preparation but healthcare providers can guide us about steps that make the process a little easier. And, a day or two of being uncomfortable can be the thing that prevents more painful treatments later on.
As a medical oncologist, I highly recommend screening. Should screening show any signs of colorectal cancer, please know that the Morrison Cancer Center is here to help, offering medical oncology, radiation therapy and a long list of services to meet your needs.
Following is a list from the American Cancer Society of people who are at an increased or high risk of colorectal cancer and might need to start screening before age 45, be screened more often or get a specific test. This includes people with:
- A strong family history of colorectal cancer or certain types of polyps.
- A personal history of colorectal cancer or certain types of polyps.
- A personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease).
- A known family history of a hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome, such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or Lynch syndrome (also known as hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer or HNPCC)
- A personal history of radiation to the abdomen (belly) or pelvic area to treat a prior cancer.