March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
As a family physician, I know this is not a topic that many people are comfortable discussing or even think is important, but it is. During my first year of residency training, I had the unfortunate task of diagnosing a friend of mine with colon cancer. I spent the next six months admitting him to the hospital several times and finally witnessing his Do Not Resuscitate order. I had to deal with his untimely death and the grief of his widow because his disease was too advanced. He had not been screened and had ignored the warning signs. I’m writing this article in his honor, so others may not suffer the same fate.
So, what is colorectal cancer? Colorectal cancer, sometimes called colon cancer, starts when cells that line the colon and rectum grow out of control. These cells usually start as polyps that form in the large intestine. They are usually slow growing and do not cause symptoms until they are large. The typical symptoms of possible colon cancer are an ongoing change in bowel habits; stools that are narrower than usual; blood in the stool; rectal bleeding; frequent gas pains, bloating, fullness or cramping; weight loss for no known reason; or feeling very tired (weakness and fatigue).
Why should you be screened? According to the American Cancer Society, excluding skin cancers, colon cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States. The estimated number of colorectal cancer cases in the United States for 2021 are 104,270 new cases of colon cancer and 45,230 new cases of rectal cancer. It is estimated that there will be 52,980 deaths from colon cancer this year. Sixty-eight percent of these deaths could be prevented with screening.
Who should be screened? The American Cancer Society recommends that people at average risk start regular screening at age 45. People who are in good health and with a life expectancy of more than 10 years should continue screening through the age of 75. For people ages 76 through 85, the decision to be screened should be based on a person’s preference, life expectancy, overall health and prior screening history. People over 85 should no longer get screening. Of course, if you have symptoms suggestive of colon cancer, you need to discuss this with your physician and have a diagnostic exam.
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