Lower your risk for colorectal cancer

About 1 in 25 Americans will develop colon or rectal cancer at some point during their lifetime, making colorectal cancer one of the most common cancers in the United States. March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, a time to learn more about this preventable disease. People are encouraged to wear blue on Friday, March 4, to help raise awareness.

“Colon cancer is preventable, thanks to colonoscopy,” said Felice Zwas, MD, a gastroenterologist and chief of staff at Greenwich Hospital. “Colonoscopy is the gold-standard screening method because we can identify and remove benign polyps on the spot to prevent any possible progression of cancer.”

Colon cancer peaks during our late 50s and 60s, noted Dr. Zwas, which underscores the need to begin screening at an early age. During a colonoscopy, a doctor uses a colonoscope, a tool that has a tiny camera, to check for polyps or abnormal tissue in the large intestine. “We want to screen early to find the polyps before they become cancerous,” she said.

While rates of colorectal cancer have been falling in older age groups in recent years, the incidence among younger people has been rising, according to the American Cancer Society. Colorectal cancer also disproportionately affects African Americans, who are about 20 percent more likely to get the disease and about 40 percent more likely than other groups to die. Given the increasing colorectal cancer rates among younger people, the American Cancer Society recommends people at average risk of colorectal cancer begin regular screening at age 45.

No matter what your age, it’s important to know common colorectal cancer symptoms. Most people don’t have any symptoms of colorectal cancer in the early stages. The most common symptom of colorectal cancer is a change in bowel habits. Individuals may also notice blood in the stool, weight loss and abdominal pain. They may also develop anemia.

Dr. Zwas advises individuals to speak with their doctor about when they should begin screening for colon cancer. "Colonoscopy has been shown to be effective in preventing colon cancer and saving lives," she said.