Colorectal Cancer Awareness

Colorectal cancer is common, but it is also one of the most preventable cancers when found early. That's why screening is so important, even if you feel completely healthy.

I tell my patients to - Turn Around and Look!

Don’t ignore the changes in your bowel habits and turn around and see what's in the toilet. It may feel uncomfortable to talk about but noticing changes in your stool can be the first clue that something might be wrong.

Warning signs to watch for:

• Blood in your stools or in the toilet

• Dark or black stools

• Ongoing Diarrhea or Constipation

• A change in how your bowel movements normally work

• Feeling like you still need to have a bowel movement after going

• Unexplained weight loss

• Frequent stomach pain, cramps or bloating

• Feeling tired or weak

These symptoms don't always mean cancer, but they should be checked. Don't wait for your annual physical, the time to call is right away, so that you can be seen quickly.

Most adults should start screening for colorectal cancer at age 45, even if you feel healthy. You may need a screening earlier if you have a family history of colorectal cancer, polyps, certain genetic conditions or inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. Your health care provider can help determine when you should start screening.

Now for the fun part - how do we screen for colorectal cancer?

A colonoscopy is one of the most common screening tests. A doctor uses a thin, flexible camera to look inside the colon. If polyps are found, they can be removed right away and tested. There are also stool-based tests like Cologuard.

Factors that increase your risk:

• low fiber diets

• eating a lot of red or processed meats

• smoking

• heavy alcohol use

• being overweight

• not getting enough physical activity

• family history of colorectal cancer

• personal history of: polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, or certain inherited conditions

Key steps I tell my patients are:

• pay attention to changes in your body

• talk to your health care provider about screening

• start your screening around the age of 45

• don't ignore the warning signs

Talking to your provider and scheduling a screening can make a lifesaving difference!

If you're looking for a new primary care provider, CLICK HERE

Here are some helpful links to learn more:

MA Colorectal Cancer Control Program (MCRCCP) | Mass.gov (Mass.gov)

Colon Cancer: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment (Cleveland Clinic)

Colorectal cancer (WHO)