Abrazo Health: Early detection helps prevent colon cancer

The month of March is recognized as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. It’s a reminder that proactive screenings can detect polyps or early cancers in the colon, which can be life-saving.

One of the most common cancers in the U.S., nearly all colorectal cancers start with a polyp, a small area of unchecked growth on the inner lining of the colon. Polyps and colon cancers rarely create symptoms such as pain or bleeding.

Early detection and treatment, even before symptoms appear, results in improved survival rates, according to doctors at Abrazo Health.

The strongest risk factor is a family history of the disease, but more than half of all diagnoses are attributable to lifestyle factors such as an unhealthy diet, insufficient physical activity, high alcohol consumption, and smoking.

“The colon is the lowest part of the intestine, also called the large intestine. Its inside lining where growths called polyps can appear, and some polyps can grow into colon cancer. Through colonoscopy, doctors can inspect the inside lining of the colon and remove polyps which helps prevent cancers from forming,” explained Dr. Sushil Pandey, a colorectal surgeon on the Abrazo medical staff.

“It’s important to find cancers early or find them as polyps and have them removed," he said.

"The incidence of colon cancer is increasing among younger people, and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that screenings begin at age 45,” said colorectal surgeon Dr. Gabie Ong.

“The risk of developing colon polyps and cancer increases as one ages. The majority of colon cancer is found in patients without any symptoms or a family history of colon cancer. We all need a colonoscopy starting at 45 years old unless you have a first-degree relative with colon cancer or polyps, where one should consider being tested earlier than age 45,” said Abrazo colorectal surgeon Dr. Carlos A. Esparza.

“If you think you are at increased risk for colorectal cancer, speak with your doctor about when to begin screening, which test is right for you, and how often to get tested,” he said.

For more information on colon cancer, online health risk assessments or to find a doctor, visit AbrazoHealth.com.

Colorectal cancer facts from the American Cancer Society:

• Colorectal cancer incidence is 33% higher in men than women.

• 55% of all colorectal cancers are attributable to lifestyle factors.

• 30% of people with colorectal cancers have a family history of the disease.

• 153,020 new cases of colorectal cancer were diagnosed in the U.S. in 2023.

• 19,550 diagnoses were projected in individuals younger than age 50.

• 52,550 people were projected to die from the disease in 2023.