Five Steps to Colon Health

8/8/2018

An easy formula to promote prevention, awareness of common cancer

A.H. Qureshi, M.D. - Surgery Group of Carlsbad

Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and cause of death from cancer in the United States. However, it can be detected in asymptomatic patients at a curable stage. Several randomized control trials have shown lower mortality among patients who undergo screening than among those who do not. Screening can also detect precancerous polyps that can be removed during colonoscopy, thereby reducing the incidence of cancer.

Colon cancer is cancer of the large intestine, the lower part of the digestive system. Most cases begin silently, as a polyp that causes few symptoms. Five simple steps can protect your health.

1. Get tested
   The American Cancer Society (ACS) strongly recommends that all adults over age 50 should begin routine colon cancer screenings. Earlier this year, the ACS issued additional screening, making a qualified recommendation that screening begin at age 45 years; the group estimates that more than 16,000 new cases of colon or rectal cancers will be diagnosed this year in Americans under 50. Some people are at higher risk and should be screened earlier, including personal or family history of inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal cancer or polyps, or ovarian, endometrial or breast cancer.

   ACS recommends those tests that actually examine the interior of the colon because they can not only detect cancer, but also prevent it by finding – and removing – polyps or growths that can potentially cause cancer. These tests include a flexible sigmoidoscopy (every five years); a colonoscopy (every 10 years); or a CT colonography or virtual colonoscopy (every five years). Polyps found during these tests can be removed on the spot, simply and painlessly.

   Testing options that look for evidence of actual cancer, include three types of stool tests – an annual fecal occult blood test, the annual fecal immunochemical test (FIT), and a periodic stool DNA test.

2. Develop awareness
   Know the risk factors associated with colon problems:

   • Advancing age, i.e., over age 50
   • high-fat diet
   • Smoking
   • A family (i.e., sibling or parent) or personal history of colorectal cancer
   • A history of polyps or growths inside the colon and rectum
   • Certain conditions that elevate your risk, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
   • Diabetes. People with Type II diabetes have a 40 percent increased risk of colon cancer
   • Ethic background. African Americans have the highest number of colorectal cancer cases in the United States

3. Know the symptoms
   Be vigilant about scheduled screenings, and if you have certain symptoms, see your doctor sooner. Symptoms may include persistent stomach discomfort, a change in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, or a change in stool consistency), abdominal pain accompanying a bowel movement, dark stools, weakness or fatigue, unexplained weight loss, or blood in the stool. Symptoms vary, and certain foods or medications can also mimic these symptoms. It’s best to err on the safe side and check with your doctor about changes.

4. Practice prevention
   A balanced diet, regular exercise and smart lifestyle choices will keep your risk level in check. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains provides the nutrients and antioxidants that fight disease. Low-fat dairy products and limited consumption of red meat keep your saturated fat intake low. Getting your vitamins and minerals through a daily supplement helps, but food-based vitamins are more effective and more easily absorbed by the body. Regular exercise – at least 20 minutes three to four days of the week – helps build your body’s defenses. Finally, quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption help, too.

5. Know your options
   Talk with your doctor about the best way to manage your risk. If you have an above-average risk for colon cancer or an initial test reveals polyps, you and your doctor can decide the course of action that works best for you.

To learn more about your risk factors or to schedule a screening test, talk to your primary care provider, or call the Surgery Group of Carlsbad at 885-0766. You can also request an appointment online at www.PecosValleyDocs.com.

About the Author: A.H. Qureshi, M.D. is a general surgeon practicing at the Surgery Group of Carlsbad. He has been a Member of the Medical Staff at Carlsbad Medical Center since 2008.

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