« Back to Home Page
Summit Medical Group: Thrive - March 2019
Find a Practitioner  |  Find a Service  |  Patient Portal & Online Billing
Should You Get Screened Early for Colorectal Cancer?
Feature

You may think that colorectal cancer is only a problem for older adults. But recently, colorectal cancer has been increasing among younger adults and is the second biggest cancer killer. In fact, a new study published by the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that close to one-third of colorectal cancer patients today are younger than 55. With these increasing numbers, does that mean you should get screened for colorectal cancer early?

The Data

Overall, the study found that colorectal cancer rates are decreasing. However, from the mid-1980s through 2013, the rates declined in adults ages 55 and older, while they increased by 2.4 percent among adults ages 20 to 29 and by 1 percent in adults ages 30 to 39. We don’t fully understand the reason for this increased risk in young people, and further research is awaited before new recommendations can be provided.

The Verdict

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, and most other professional organizations, advises starting colon cancer screening at age 50. Talk with your doctor if you are concerned about colon cancer and need more information about screening guidelines. Even if you don’t need to be screened early, you should know what will increase your risk of developing the disease. You’re more likely to get colorectal cancer, and may need earlier screening if you:

  • Have a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps
  • Have a personal history of colorectal polyps or inflammatory bowel disease
  • Are of African American background

Environmental factors that could increase your risk:

  • Lack of exercise
  • Being overweight
  • Consuming a lot of processed meats
  • Excessive drinking
  • Smoking

If you have one or more of these risk factors, talk with your doctor to see if early screening is a good option for you.

Signs to Watch

Symptoms of colorectal cancer aren’t always noticeable. But some symptoms to be on the lookout for include:

  • Blood in the stool
  • Bright red rectal bleeding
  • Black tarry stools
  • Anemia with low iron

Summit Medical Group gastroenterologist and surgical oncologist, Kelly Krueger, MD, says, “One of the most common misconceptions that I hear from patients is that they are positive that red blood when they go to the bathroom is from hemorrhoids. Unfortunately, this can also be from a low-lying polyp or cancer and definitely needs to get checked out.” She adds, “Women also think that low iron anemia is just due to their menstrual cycle, but this can also be a sign of colon cancer, ulcer, bleeding polyp, an iron absorption issue, or internal bleeding, and needs evaluation by a professional.”

You should also check in with your primary care provider or a gastroenterologist if you have any of the following symptoms on a regular basis:

  • Cramping or abdominal pain
  • An urge to have a bowel movement that doesn't go away after having one
  • A change in bowel habits that lasts for more than a few days
  • Unintended weight loss

What You Can Do

Knowing the risks and symptoms of colorectal cancer can help catch the disease early. But you can also take steps to reduce your chances of developing it in the first place. Be sure to:

  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Avoid red and processed meats
  • Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
  • Quit smoking
  • Minimize alcohol
Take Action to Stay Healthy
Per Kelly Krueger, MD, “There is a 6 percent chance of colon cancer at the age of 70. That means without screening, 1 in 17 people will get colon cancer.” So, talk with one of our gastroenterologists if you have any concerns. Healthy patients can book a direct access colonoscopy through any of our providers with a screening questionnaire conducted by gastrointestinal office staff to determine eligibility. Direct access colonoscopy allows healthy, age-appropriate patients to schedule a screening colonoscopy without a pre-procedure visit. Patients can also call 908-273-4300 to request a direct access colonoscopy. Although colonoscopy is considered the gold standard, there are alternative methods for colon cancer screening. If you would like more information about these alternative methods, please speak with a Summit Medical Group gastroenterologist.
Classes & Events
Considering Weight-Loss Surgery?  •  The ABCs of Your Zzzs  •  Understanding Medicare Advantage •  Diabetes Management Support Group
View Events
Calendar
Also in this Issue:
Take Sleep to Heart  /  Respiratory Illness? Antibiotics Probably Won’t Help  /  The Brain Explained: Understanding Conditions of the Brain /  Shining Light on Endometriosis
« Newsletter Home Page
The Flu shot is your best defense against the flu this season!
Comments & Suggestions
Facebook Twitter YouTube LinkedIn Instagram

The health information presented in this e-mail newsletter is intended for information purposes only and is not a substitute for consultation with a medical professional. This information should not be used to treat or diagnose a health condition. Always seek advice from a trained health care provider.

We respect your right to privacy - click here to view our policy.

© The StayWell Company, LLC. 2019.

This email was sent by: Summit Medical Group
1 Diamond Hill Road, Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922