March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

Colon Health 101

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cause of cancer death in the United States and the leading cause of cancer death in men and women under 50.

Increasing awareness and sharing information to the public about screening tools is critical as CRC is highly treatable with early detection. In 2021, the United States Preventive Services Task Force lowered the recommended age for average risk colorectal cancer screening to 45 based on data collection studies. 

Experts note that more than 50% of all CRC cases and deaths are attributable to lifestyle risk factors that can be modified; such as smoking, an unhealthy diet, high alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, and excess body weight (particularly in over weight men).

Unfortunately, genetics, age, and race are not controllable. Family history of colorectal cancer (having a parent, brother, sister, or child with colorectal cancer) doubles a person's risk of colorectal cancer. Black individuals have an increased risk of colorectal cancer and death from colorectal cancer compared to other races. The risk of colorectal cancer increases after age 50; which is most often the age that most cases of CRC are diagnosed.

Age-related Screening Guidelines: 

• Age 45–75: Regular screening is recommended.

• Age 76–85: Decisions should be individualized based on health, life expectancy, and previous history.

• Over 85: Screening is generally not recommended.

Other guidelines for High-risk individuals:

Those with a family history of CRC, polyps, or inflammatory bowel disease (such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease) should start screening earlier than age 45. Or those having personal histories that include adenomas; colorectal polyps that are 1 centimeter or larger in size; or that have abnormal cells when biopsied. Or those with a history of ovarian cancer. 

Lifestyle Prevention Strategies:

Alcohol:

Studies show that drinking 3 or more alcoholic beverages per day increases the risk of colorectal cancer. Drinking alcohol also increases the risk of forming large colorectal adenomas, which are classified as benign (non cancerous) tumors.

Cigarette smoking:

Tobacco use (previous and current) is a known risk factor for CRC incidence. Like alcohol, smoking cigarettes is also linked to an increased risk of forming colorectal adenomas. Not to mention what smoking does to your cardiovascular and lung health. 

Exercise: 

There are many studies that have demonstrated the protective effects of high levels of daily physical activity in the prevention of CRC. Studies have found that individuals who live a sedentary lifestyle (like sitting for most of the day) have an increased risk of CRC. The benefit of daily physical activity of moderate intensity for 30 minutes or more obviously improves overall health. 

Obesity and Weight Management:

Obesity is linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer and death from colorectal cancer. The goal is to maintain a healthy body mass index (BMI < 25). 

Diet:

Experts recognize that diets rich in fruits and vegetables, fish, dietary fiber, and dairy are good for all disease states. A healthy diet benefits the health and efficiencies of the heart, liver, kidneys, as well as gastrointestinal function. While diets high in dietary fiber have been shown to have many health benefits, the relationship between dietary fiber and CRC risk is weak. Some suggest that the more fiber you eat, the quicker food moves through the gastrointestinal tract and is less likely to be exposed to dietary carcinogens.

Some studies have shown that a diet high in red and/or processed meat increases the risk of colorectal cancer incidence, while others have not. 

If you fall into any of the categories mentioned above, please check with your health care professional about screening tools and when it’s time to check in on the health of your colon!

In good health, 

Sophie