Let's Talk About It

 

The images are disturbing and the whole thing is something we'd all just rather not think about, much less talk about. But the fact is that colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Only lung cancers kill more people every year. The American Cancer Society estimates that in the US in 2022 alone about 106,000 people will receive an initial diagnosis and nearly 45,000 will die from it.

When detected early, colorectal cancers are highly treatable and survival rates increase dramatically. This means that screening is the first line of defense. There are three common types of colorectal cancer screening.

Colonoscopy is the gold standard for early detection. A long flexible tube with a light and video camera is inserted deeply and the anus, rectum and colon, which  can then be visually inspected for any cancer. Any pre-cancerous polyps can be removed during the procedure. Since you will be under a general anesthesia for the entire procedure, it is neither painful nor unpleasant, despite how it sounds. The dreaded "prep" process of cleaning yourself out the night before is, well, unpleasant. But it is neither painful nor complicated. Just keep something interesting to read by the toilet. Average adults with no family history of colorectal cancer should begin screenings at age 40 and then every 10 years if no problems are found.

FIT-DNA testing checks your stool for blood - a possible early warning sign - and screens for cancerous DNA. If you have low risk factors and no family history of colorectal cancer, this is a good alternative to a full colonoscopy.

FIT-only testing (you have seen this on on TV) screens for blood in your stool but only from the lower intestines. It can be done at home but it is the least comprehensive screening method.

If you have been screened (I am 0 - 2 on colonoscopies) stick to the schedule your gastroenterologist recommends. If you have never been screened and are past 40 years old, talk with your primary health care provider about what might be best in your specific situation. Screening can often find colorectal cancer early, when it's small, hasn't spread, and is easier to treat. Regular screening can even prevent colorectal cancer. A polyp can take as many as 10 to 15 years to develop into cancer. With screening, doctors can find and remove polyps before they have the chance to turn into cancer.

I know its not a subject you want to think about. In fact don't think about it. Just go get screened.