Dr. Carmine Catalano: Colorectal Cancer Screening Saves Lives

Do you often think that another year has rolled by and you just didn’t get around to a few important things on your “must do for myself soon” list? If screening for colon cancer is on the list, the time to take action is now.

March is colon cancer awareness month, and a great time for you to plan to get screened for colorectal cancer. But colon screenings do not require a special time of year. They can and should be part of your regular annual wellness visits. If you’re overdue, make the appointment to get back on track. It’s easier than you think, and you’ll be glad you did. It could save your life.

Why should I have colorectal cancer screening?

Colon cancer, or colorectal cancer, is one of the three most prevalent cancers in America, and is commonly hereditary. It is a type of cancer that can form in the lower part of the digestive tract (in the large intestine, known as the colon, or in the rectum).

Regular screening for colon cancer can detect the disease in its earliest stages, preventing the development of cancer or providing a greater chance of recovery and treatment options. To learn more, contact your primary care practitioner to request an appointment for colon cancer screening.

Who is at risk or colon cancer?

Colorectal cancer screening is recommended for most people starting at age 45. There are also numerous risk factors that could prompt earlier screening. If you have any of the following risk factors, getting screened earlier for colorectal cancer may be appropriate:

• Family history of colon cancer or polyps (growths in the colon);
• Having IBD (inflammatory bowel disease), including Crohn’s Disease or ulcerative colitis;
• Gene mutations that increase chances of colon cancer developing.

It’s also important to be tested if you’ve noticed blood in your stool, changes in bowel habits including persistent diarrhea or constipation, have unexplained iron deficiency anemia, are experiencing unexplained weight-loss, or have abdominal pain.

If you or a loved one has concerning symptoms, call your primary care practitioner for a screening referral.

Screening is easier than you think

One of the biggest obstacles to getting screened for colorectal cancer is that many people think colonoscopies are unpleasant. Thanks to anesthesia, pain medications and improved instruments, though, colonoscopies are not painful. If anything, they are slightly inconvenient, requiring fasting and preparation beforehand and then part of a day for the procedure itself.

For some eligible patients who are considered at average risk for colon cancer, you may be a candidate for a fecal immunochemical test (FIT). These are simple and 100% painless: pick up a kit, collect a very small sample at home, and drop it off at your practitioner’s office. The lab checks the sample for traces of blood which can indicate a problem. Talk to your family practitioner about whether this may be an option for you.

Screening is Nearby – Schedule an Appointment

The experienced, fellowship-trained gastroenterologists and surgical endoscopists at Bassett Healthcare Network will collaborate with you and your primary care practitioner to ensure you receive exceptional treatment, access to the latest endoscopic and surgical procedures, and the personal support and individual care you deserve.

Take action today and check colon cancer screening off your “must do” list.

Dr. Carmine Catalano is a gastroenterologist and the chief of the Division of Digestive Diseases at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown. This column originally appeared in the Oneonta Daily Star.