T.J. Samson | Destination Health | December 2019

December 2019 5 More younger adults are getting colorectal cancer Colorectal cancer is typically thought of as an older person’s dis- ease, which is gener- ally true. But research shows that it’s becom- ing increasingly com- mon among people under the age of 50. Overall, the num- ber of new cases of colorectal cancer that occur each year has actually been falling. But that’s because fewer older adults are being diagnosed with colorectal cancer today than in the past. For younger people, it’s a different story: Inci- dence rates have been rising since the 1970s and 1980s. Why the rise? Researchers don’t know yet. More studies are needed. Until then, it’s im- portant for everyone, regardless of age, to see a primary care pro- vider ASAP if they have signs or symptoms of colorectal cancer. And young adults need to remember that this is not just your grandparents’ disease. Sources: American Cancer Society; National Cancer Institute Screening for colorectal cancer saves lives. Talk to your primary care provider (PCP) about which screening test is right for you. Don’t have a PCP? We can find one for you. Call 270-651-1814 for an appointment. MORE THAN EVER, COLORECTAL CANCER IS SURVIVABLE. Since the 1970s, the overall mortality for colorectal cancer nationwide has fallen by 40%—a trend fueled by dramatic progress in the prevention, detection and treat- ment of this cancer. Those treatment advances include the increasing use of targeted therapies that attack specific genes and changes in cells that cause colon cancer. Today, there are more than 1 million survivors of colorectal cancer in the U.S. Sources: American Cancer Society; American Society of Clinical Oncologists; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention SCREENING SAVES LIVES. It can find colorectal cancer early—before it spreads and causes symptoms. About 9 out of 10 people with early stage colorectal cancer survive for at least five years. Better yet, screening can actu- ally prevent colorectal cancer. That’s why the American Cancer Society advises people at average risk of colorectal cancer to get screened starting at age 45. Your PCP can help determine if you need earlier screening because of your family history of colorectal cancer or because you have certain health conditions. YOU HAVE SCREENING CHOICES. One is a colonoscopy. During this test, doctors use a thin, flexible, lighted tube to check for cancer or polyps inside the rectum and entire co- lon. Doctors can find most precancerous polyps during this screening test—and then remove them so that cancer can’t develop. They can also remove some cancers during the test. A colonoscopy is also used as a follow-up if something un- usual is found with other screening tests. Other screening options include sev- eral types of stool tests, which you can do at home with a test kit. They either detect hidden blood in the stool that might be a sign of colorectal cancer or abnormal sections of DNA from polyps or cancer cells. There is no single best test for every person. The right match is the one you prefer and are most likely to do. HEALTHY HABITS HEALTHY HABITS MAY REDUCE YOUR RISK OF THE DISEASE. Longtime smokers are more prone to colorectal cancer. So are people who carry extra pounds, especially around their waistline. A diet that’s high in red meat (such as beef, lamb and liver) and processed meats (such as cold cuts and luncheon meats) raises colorectal cancer risk, as does being sedentary. That means you can help protect yourself by avoiding tobacco, eat- ing a healthy diet, staying at (or getting to) a healthy weight and moving more. SOME RISK FACTORS CAN’T BE CHANGED. Risk increases with age. You’re also more vulnerable to colorectal cancer if you have: Ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease. A history of adenomatous polyps, especially if they are large or there are many of them. A family history of colorectal cancer—for example, a parent, sibling or child diagnosed with the disease. In about 5% of colorectal cancer cases, an inherited gene is to blame. So be sure to discuss your family history of colorectal cancer with your PCP. RISK FACTORS SCREENING 4 5 CHOICES 7 IT’S SURVIVABLE 8 6