PREVENTATIVE HEALTH
Colorectal Cancer Awareness
By MARY LEIGH MEYER
C
olorectal cancer, also known as bowel
cancer, colon cancer, or rectal cancer, is
any cancer found in the large intestine and
rectum. According to the American Cancer
Society, it is the second-leading cause
of cancer-related deaths in the United
States. However, this potentially deadly
cancer is also considered one of the most
preventable types of cancer. With routine
screenings, polyps — unwanted growths
in the colon that can develop into cancer —
can be detected and removed before they
turn cancerous. So why does the American
Cancer Society report more than 53,200
people are expected to die from colorectal
cancer in 2020? The answer is simple:
people aren’t getting screened.
Jason McKnight, M.D., clinical assistant
professor of primary care and population
health at the Texas A&M College of
Medicine and principal investigator of a
colorectal cancer screening grant through
the Cancer Prevention and Research
Institute of Texas, discusses the basics of
colorectal screening and prevention.
Signs and Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer
During screening tests, such as a colonoscopy,
physicians look for polyps or other
abnormalities, and, if any are found, they
may remove them. Once these potentially
pre-cancerous polyps are removed, the
likelihood of developing colorectal cancer is
significantly reduced. However, even if you
receive regular screenings, it is important
to know the common cancer symptoms and
warning signs.
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• Change in bowel habits that lasts
for more than a few days
• Rectal bleeding
• Bloody stool
• Cramping or abdominal pain
• Weakness and fatigue
• Unintended weight loss
Who Should be Screened and How Often?
Often, the idea of having a colonoscopy
fills people with an understandable
amount of apprehension. However,
everyone over the age of 45 should get
regularly screened, based on the newest
recommendations from the American
Cancer Society.
McKnight urges anyone with an
average risk for colorectal cancer to have
a colonoscopy every 10 years. For those
with a family history of colorectal cancer,
McKnight says to talk with your physician
about screenings even earlier than age
45, usually 10 years before the youngest
case of polyps or colorectal cancer in your
family. Also, if you have had a previous
colonoscopy where polyps were removed,
you may need another colonoscopy in
fewer than 10 years.
There may be resources available in
your community if cost is a barrier to
getting screened. For example, thanks to
a grant from CPRIT, Texas A&M Health
Family Care in Bryan provides free
colorectal cancer screenings to qualifying
individuals. The program serves low-
income people who are not insured and
those who have insurance but cannot
afford their deductible or co-pay.
Colonoscopy Preparation
A colonoscopy is usually done in a clinic
or hospital setting by a physician with
specialized training in the procedure. The
afternoon before the procedure, patients
will ingest a laxative prep drink. The drinks
are designed to clear out your digestive tract
to empty the colon. Additionally, patients
will be asked to avoid eating solid foods a
day before the procedure.
A clean digestive tract allows the physician
to get a better view of the entire colon, so even
the smallest polyp can be detected. After all, it
only takes one polyp to develop cancer.
What to Expect During a Colonoscopy
The colonoscopy itself should take less
than an hour, during which time the
patient is sedated with conscious sedation.
The patient may feel the need to have a
bowel movement or some cramping, but
many people feel nothing and remember
nothing from the procedure.
“Colorectal cancer can largely be
prevented by maintaining a healthy
lifestyle and having preventive
screenings,” McKnight says. “In fact,
with regular screenings, the American
Cancer Society reports that deaths from
colorectal cancer could be reduced by 50
percent. If you have any questions, ask
your health care provider.”
Visit texascstep.org/en/home-2/, for
more information on free screenings. i