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Reduce Risks of Colon Cancer

Some headlines about colon cancer often cause confusion for those looking to reduce risks and better manage their health. Comprehensive Cancer Centers, and medical oncologist Anthony Nguyen, MD, look to provide more clarity on the matter.

Locally, the American Cancer Society says 1,480 Nevadans will be diagnosed with cancer of the colon or rectum in 2020, marking an uptick of its 2019 estimation of 1,340 new cases. Colon cancer is the fourth most prevalent cancer in the state, behind breast, lung and prostate cancers, making it very important to have a clear understanding of what precautions to take for reducing your risk.

Among the potentially confusing headlines regarding colon cancer, are guidelines on when to have a colonoscopy, an increase in colon cancer cases among young adults and preventative/dietary recommendations. So, amid the information available, how do we make sense of it all and what are the guidelines that should be followed?

How to Stay Ahead of Colon Cancer

First and foremost, the American Cancer Society made changes and recommends healthy adults — with no family history of colon cancer — start having colonoscopies at 45. Yet the majority of the groups, including the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force, still recommend screening for colorectal cancer at age 50 and continuing until age 75. The decision to screen for colorectal cancer in adults aged 76 to 85 should be an individual one, taking into account the patient’s overall health and prior screening history.

Once a colonoscopy takes place, follow-up tests are typically done in 10 years, contingent on your doctor’s recommendation. Screening for colon cancer can also be done with stool testing, including a fecal immunochemical test every year, fecal occult blood test every year and a multi-targeted stool DNA test every three years. The stool DNA tests, by using a product such as Colorguard, can be done at home and are helpful in identifying possible pre-cancerous polyps as well as colon cancers.

Those with a family history of colon cancer is becoming more and more identifiable early thanks to cancer genetic counseling, offered by Comprehensive Cancer Centers, and testing. Special cases such as those diagnosed with rare genetic mutations, should have much earlier screening.

As for why we are seeing more cases of cancer in young adults, specifically ages 20 to 34? While facts in this matter aren’t yet firmed up, it is likely that genetic changes are contributing to the younger patients developing cancer. The team at Comprehensive Cancer Centers also maintains that obesity, smoking, inflammatory bowel disease and diet play important roles in colon cancer.

We may not be able to change our genetics, but we can improve our lifestyle choices. It is important to eat fresh foods and vegetables where possible and find smart recipes to make these ingredients a regular part of our diets. Recipes and ingredient options are available on the Comprehensive Cancer Centers blog. Current research consistently links eating more red meat and processed meat to a higher risk of colon cancer.

Although many times colon cancer symptoms can be silent, one should notify their medical provider if they notice potential symptoms such as blood in their stool, changes in bowel habits such as persistent diarrhea, constipation or narrowing of stool, unintended weight loss and cramps or abdominal pain.

For those diagnosed with colon cancer, survival rates have improved in recent years. Cancer fighting techniques with surgery and medicines are improving and becoming much more individualized and targeted.

For those with late stage colon cancer, there are clinical trials and targeted treatments that are available for patients here in Southern Nevada. At Comprehensive Cancer Centers, we have been able to administer these new treatments and witness success stories in stage IV patients where there was once little hope.

Ultimately, we want to stress the importance of not delaying potentially life-saving screenings, whether it is stool testing or colonoscopy. Prospective health issues, especially cancer, do not pause for global events like Covid-19 and we must stay proactive. Read or listen to news about healthcare issues, but don’t let that news cause panic when you can simply ask your physician or oncologist questions to make more informed decisions.

Comprehensive Cancer Centers Can Help

Physicians at Comprehensive Cancer Centers provide a variety of treatment options including: chemotherapy, radiation therapy, breast surgery and clinical research for the treatment of all cancer types. To schedule an appointment with the team at Comprehensive, please call 702-952-3350.

 

The content is this post is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

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