How to Prevent Colorectal Cancer

Over 52,000 Americans die of colorectal cancer each year! We recently lost Kirstie Alley at the age of 71 in December 2022 due to colon cancer. In August 2020, we lost an Anderson, SC native, Chadwick Boseman, to colon cancer at 43. Colon cancer is currently the second leading cause of cancer in women and the third leading cause of cancer in men in the United States. More astonishingly, there has been a steadily increased incidence of colorectal cancer in those under the age of 50 since 1992. The good news is that colorectal cancer is one of the few cancers where it can be detected early and removed in the precancerous stages during a colonoscopy to prevent you from having actual colorectal cancer in the future.

Lifestyle Changes in Preventing Colorectal Cancer

Before you see a gastroenterologist, there are steps that you can take to reduce your risk of colorectal cancer. These include the following lifestyle changes:

• Eat more fruits, vegetables, and fiber
• Eat less red meat and processed meats
• Exercise at least 30 minutes daily most days of the week
• Work towards a healthy body weight
• Limit alcohol intake to no more than one drink a day for women and two drinks for men
• Stop smoking

Schedule a Visit With Your Gastroenterologist

Most colorectal cancers are diagnosed after the onset of clinical signs or symptoms. Do not delay seeing a gastroenterologist if you have abdominal pain, cramping, gas, or changes in bowel habits, including constipation or diarrhea, rectal bleeding, unintentional weight loss, or unexplained anemia! We prefer to see patients before they have these signs or symptoms! The American Cancer Society and the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force recommend that average-risk adults start screening for colorectal cancer at age 45. This age was lowered in 2021 from 50 to 45 due to a dramatic rise in colorectal cancer in the younger population. Those at high risk for colorectal cancer may need to start even before age 45. Screening is continued until age 75. From ages 76 to 85, the decision to continue screening is individualized based on the patient’s overall health, preference, prior polyps, and life expectancy.

Colonoscopy to Prevent Colorectal Cancer

A patient with colon cancer once said to me,

“If I could do it all over again, I would have started earlier screening with a colonoscopy rather than go through with surgery and chemotherapy for my cancer.”

Colonoscopy remains a top-tier test for colorectal cancer screening. The day before the colonoscopy, patients are required to be on a clear liquid diet and subsequently drink a bowel preparation, including pills and a liquid laxative. On the day of the procedure, patients check in to the endoscopy center, change into a gown, and an IV is placed. Patients are provided anesthesia to remain comfortable for the entire procedure. The procedure lasts only 15-30 minutes with a flexible tube with a light, and camera is passed gently into the colon to allow for direct visualization of the entire colon. Your gastroenterologist can find precancerous lesions of the colon called “polyps” and remove them during the colonoscopy. This prevents you from developing colorectal cancer!

Other Tests to Prevent Colorectal Cancer

Non-invasive testing remains an option. These include the following:

• Fecal occult blood test (FOBT) uses a chemical to detect blood in the stool
• Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) uses antibodies to detect blood in the stool
• FIT-DNA test or Cologuard detects altered DNA in the stool
• CT Colonography is an imaging test to identify polyps

Even though these non-invasive tests have shortcomings, any screening test is better than no screening test! Just note that if one of these tests is positive, the next step will be to do a colonoscopy.

About Gastroenterology Associates

Gastroenterology Associates opened in 1978. We offer five offices and three endoscopy centers in Greenville, Spartanburg, Simpsonville, and Clemson. As the largest and most experienced gastroenterology practice in South Carolina, we provide expert care with the latest diagnostic testing and treatment plans. Our medical staff comprises 20 Gastroenterologists and 11 Advanced Practice Providers who are all committed to treating our patients with kindness and respect.

We look forward to providing you with the advanced care every patient deserves. Please call us at 864-232-7338 or visit us online to request an appointment. We do have a convenient program to allow you to schedule your screening colonoscopy without the need for a clinic visit!

By Dr. Hiren Vallabh, Gastroenterology Associates