By Gastroenterologist Dr. Sherman Chamberlain
MCGHealth 

According to the American Cancer Society, about 112,000 people are diagnosed with colon cancer annually and about 55,000 people die from it. Fortunately, more than 90 percent of colorectal cancers can be cured if caught in their earliest stages, before symptoms appear.

Colon testing saves lives. Screenings involve:

1. An annual physical exam with a fecal occult blood test. Physicians will conduct a physical exam to check for masses and will check stool for blood.
2. A colonoscopy every 10 years or a sigmoidoscopy every five. Under anesthesia, physicians look inside the colon for polyps and other abnormalities during a colonoscopy. A sigmoidoscopy examines the last half of the colon, while a colonoscopy examines the entire colon.
3. A double contrast barium enema every five years. A liquid containing barium is put into the colon and X-rays are taken of the gastrointestinal tract. The barium helps highlight abnormal areas.

Age is a risk factor.  That is why physicians recommend colon cancer testing starting at age 50.  Just as you cannot stop the aging process, there are other risk factors that you cannot control.  Make sure your physician is aware of the following medical problems you may have had, which could be indicators of future trouble:

• A high incidence of benign polyps or growths in the colon
• Inflammation of the colon
• A history of ovarian, uterine or breast cancer

Alternately, there are risk factors that can be managed, including:

• Your diet:  To reduce your risk, limit the fat and increase the fiber.   You should eat about 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day and several servings of other foods from plant sources, such as breads, cereals, grain, rice, pasta or beans.   Many fruits and vegetables contain substances that interfere with the process of cancer formation.
• Smoking:  Smoking may be responsible for causing about 12 percent of fatal colorectal cancers.  Because some cancer-causing substances are swallowed while smoking, they can cause digestive system cancers.  To reduce your risk, break the habit.
• Diabetes:  Manage your diabetes as instructed by your physician.  This will help you maintain a healthy weight and reduce your cancer risk.
• Physical inactivity:  To reduce risk, exercise at least three times a week for about 30 minutes each time.
• Excessive alcohol intake:  Colorectal cancer has been linked to the heavy use of alcohol.  To reduce risk, it is best to drink moderately if you partake.

Most cases of colon cancer begin as small, noncancerous clumps of cells called polyps. Over time some of these polyps become cancerous. Many people with colon cancer experience no symptoms in the early stages of the disease. When symptoms appear, they will likely vary, depending on the cancer’s size and location in your large intestine. Signs and symptoms of colon cancer include:

• A change in your bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation or a change in the consistency of your stool for more than a couple of weeks
• Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool
• Persistent abdominal discomfort, such as cramps, gas or pain
• Abdominal pain with a bowel movement
• A feeling that your bowel doesn't empty completely
• Weakness or fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss

Blood in your stool may be a sign of cancer, but it can also indicate other conditions. It’s best to have any sign of blood or change in your stool checked promptly by your doctor because it can be a sign of something more serious.

If you are 50 or older, or have a personal or family history of colon problems or other risk factors, talk to your physician about getting screened. It can save your life.

MCG Health, Inc. (d/b/a MCGHealth) is a not-for-profit corporation operating the MCGHealth Medical Center, MCGHealth Children’s Medical Center, the Georgia Radiation Therapy Center, and related outpatient facilities and services throughout the state.  For more information, please visit mcghealth.org.