The body is an amazing, complicated, and sometimes fragile machine. Like any machine, it operates best when given the right fuel, used properly, and provided with regular maintenance.
National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month each March reminds us of the importance of proper care to prevent potentially catastrophic breakdowns. It raises awareness about colorectal cancer, promotes early detection and screening, and encourages individuals to take steps to reduce their risk.
Approximately one in 25 men and women in the United States will develop colorectal cancer in their lifetime— that amounts to about 150,000 new diagnoses per year. About 50,000 people die annually from the disease.
Prevention begins with the tried-and-true tenets of good health: Eat healthier – Consume more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and limit red meat and processed foods.
Exercise regularly – Stay physically active and maintain a healthy weight.
Quit smoking – Or better yet, never start. Drink less alcohol – Or none at all.
Because colorectal cancer symptoms are mostly invisible in the early stages, prevention also entails regular screenings by professionals using various methods—most notably, a colonoscopy. A colonoscopy is a medical procedure that examines the large intestine (colon) using a thin, flexible tube equipped with a small camera called a colonoscope. Special instruments can be passed through the colonoscope to biopsy (sample) or remove any suspicious-looking areas, such as polyps, if needed.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends colonoscopies for adultsataverageriskofcolorectal cancer starting at age 45 and continuing every 10 years thereafter.
Other types of colorectal cancer screenings include: Stool-based tests – These are non-invasive, affordable, and convenient. Options include: Fecal occult blood test (FOBT) – Detects hidden blood in stool.
Fecal immunochemical test (FIT) – Similar to FOBT but morespecific,requiringmorefrequent testing than a colonoscopy.
Cologuard – A stool DNA test with higher sensitivity than FIT.
Shield blood test –Anewer test that detects abnormal DNA fragments in the bloodstream, similar in sensitivity and specificity to Cologuard.
While these tests don’t require sedation, bowel prep, or the typical cost of a colonoscopy, a positive result will likely require follow-up with a colonoscopy.
Screenings like these are essential because they can detect colorectal cancer early, when it is most treatable.
Parkview Regional Hospital is your local resource for colorectal health and well-being.We can perform the screening that’s right for you and provide guidance on lifestylemeasurestohelpprevent future health issues.
To take a colon health assessment, visit ParkviewRegional. com/health-risk-assessment/ colon-health. If you already know you are due for a colonoscopy, schedule one by calling (254) 472-0101.
You get your car’s oil changed every six months.You might service your lawnmower annually, your HVAC system every five years, and your roof every 10 years. After 45+ years of use, it’s surely time to get your colon checked.
Mark Goss, MD, FACS, is a general surgeion-with Parkview Regional Hospital.
