March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month: General Information on Colorectal Cancer

General Information on Colorectal Cancer

Dr. Shelia Singleton, Primary Care Provider with Community First Health Centers – New Haven

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer and cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Annually, approximately 147,950 new cases of large bowel cancer are diagnosed, 104,610 of which are colon cancer, and the remainder are rectal cancer. Annually, approximately 53,200 Americans die of CRC, accounting for approximately 8 percent of all cancer deaths. Most CRCs are caused by high risk polyps. CRC screening reduces mortality by removing these polyps or by early detection of CRC; however, only 62% of eligible persons were up to date on CRC screening. Screening and surveillance detect cancer in its early stages when symptoms are not typically present. Approximately 30% of patients have non-modifiable risk factors that increase their risk of colorectal cancer, including a family or personal history of colorectal cancer or advanced adenomas, personal history of inflammatory bowel disease, and personal history of hereditary polyposis syndromes. Modifiable risk factors include obesity, smoking, heavy alcohol use, excess consumption of processed meat, and lack of physical activity.

Risk Factors for Colorectal Cancer

Melanie Woods DNP, FNP-BC, Nurse Practitioner with Community First Health Centers – New Haven

Age – 90 percent of cases are diagnosed in individuals 50 years of age or older
African-American
A personal history of colorectal cancer or polyps
Inflammatory intestinal conditions such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease
Inherited syndromes that increase colon cancer risk, such as familial adenomatous polyposis and Lynch syndrome
Family history of colon cancer
Low-fiber, high-fat diet
A sedentary/inactive lifestyle
Diabetes
Obesity
Smoking
Heavy use of alcohol
Radiation therapy directed at the abdomen to treat previous cancers

Colorectal Cancer Screening Guidelines
Dr. Asif Iqbal, Primary Care Provider with Community First Health Centers – New Haven

The United States Preventive Task Force recommends screening for colorectal cancer starting at age 50 and continuing until age 75. The decision to screen adults between 76-85 years should be an individual one, taking into account the patient’s overall health and prior screening history. There are several screening methods. Please discuss with your physician the best method for you, depending on your own individual risk factors.

Stool-based Tests:

gFOBT – annually
FIT – annually
FIT-DNA – every 1-3 years

Direct Visualization Tests:

Colonoscopy – every 10 years (repeat frequency depends on findings)
CT colonoscopy – every 5 years
Flexible sigmoidoscopy – every 5 years
Flexible sigmoidoscopy-FIT – every 10 years with FIT annually

The above screening recommendations are for individuals with average risk. If there is family history of colorectal cancer in a first degree relative, the screening recommendations are different. Please talk to your primary care provider/family physician or gastroenterologist for further details.

Prevention
Melanie Woods, DNP, FNP-BC Nurse Practitioner with Community First Health Centers – New Haven

Prevention suggestions include:

Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Choose a variety of fruits and vegetables so you get an array of vitamins and nutrients.
Drink alcohol in moderation; limiting intake to no more than one drink a day for women and two drinks per day for men.
Stop smoking; talk to your doctor about ways to quit that may work for you.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week.
Maintain a healthy weight.

M	T	W	T	F	S	S
						1
2	3	4	5	6	7	8
9	10	11	12	13	14	15
16	17	18	19	20	21	22
23	24	25	26	27	28	29
30	31

Footer