Colorectal cancer is a topic that no one wants to think about, much less talk about, but failing to address the need for colorectal cancer screenings could be costly to you and your employees. And since March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, it’s a good idea to educate your people about this deadly disease.
“Diagnosing the problem in the early stages allows for more successful treatment and gives the patient a higher chance of becoming cancer-free,” says Julie Sich, health promotions coordinator for SummaCare, Inc. “Despite the availability of several methods of testing, too many people fail to be screened because the thought of having it done makes them uncomfortable. However, that temporary discomfort is a small price to pay for a potentially life-saving procedure.”
Smart Business spoke with Sich about how individuals can lessen their risk of developing colorectal cancer and how regular screenings could save lives.
What is colorectal cancer?
Colorectal cancer is a slow-growing cancer that occurs when cells in the colon or rectum become abnormal and divide out of control, creating a tumor. If the abnormal cells are not caught and treated early, the cancer can also invade surrounding tissue or break away to form tumors in other parts of the body, ultimately leading to death.
Although the rates of colorectal cancer are on the decline, the disease is still diagnosed in about 145,000 people a year in the United States, making it the third-most-common type of cancer (not including skin cancer) in both men and women. Additionally, the disease kills about 49,000 people in the U.S. each year, making it the second-most-lethal cancer behind lung cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute.
The exact causes of the disease are not known, but those older than age 50, who have polyps, who have a family history of the disease, who smoke or have inflammatory bowel diseases (such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease), have a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer.
What steps can people take to lower their risk of colorectal cancer?
Diet and exercise are believed to play a role in prevention. Some research suggests that high consumption of red meat could contribute to the development of colorectal cancer, as can failing to consume the recommended amount of whole grains, fruits and vegetables. There is also evidence to suggest that a sedentary lifestyle may contribute to the disease, as can smoking. However, 75 percent of colorectal cancer occurs in those with no known risk factors, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
But while lifestyle components are important, the most critical thing you can do to prevent the cancer from developing is to catch it in its early stages of development. Regular colorectal cancer screenings are very important. Although some symptoms such as a change in bowel habits, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal discomfort, weight loss, vomiting and constant tiredness could be indications of the presence of the disease, colorectal cancer is generally symptomless in its early stages and, in most cases, the only way to detect it is through screenings.
Simply put, screenings save lives. Nearly all colorectal cancers develop from pre-cancerous polyps in the colon and rectum, and detecting them early in their growth allows for removal of the polyps before they become cancerous, creating an excellent prognosis. But even if the presence of cancer is detected, early treatment before it has spread into neighboring tissues increases the chances of long-term survival.
What are the screening options?
There are several screening options, and patients should consult with their doctor to determine which test is right for them. Screening options include a fecal occult blood test or fecal DNA test, both of which involve screening for hidden blood; sigmoidoscopy, which gives the physician a direct view of the lower third of the colon; colonoscopy, which provides a direct view of the entire colon through a tube administered by the physician and which also allows the physician to remove any polyps at the time of the procedure; and various other tests and screenings.
Again, not every option is right for every person, and there is no singular ‘best’ test. Patients should talk with their physician to determine which method of screening is best for their circumstances, depending on personal preference, the method the patient is most likely to follow through on, medical condition, family history and the resources available for follow-up. Discussing the benefits and potential harm of each method, their accuracy and the different method of preparation for each can also help you assess which screening option is the best choice for you.
How often should a person be screened?
How often you should be screened depends on the type of screening you undergo and your risk for cancer, and that is something that a patient should consult with his or her health care provider about. For those who are at average risk and choose colonoscopy as the screening method, screening is recommended every 10 years, starting at age 50. For higher-risk patients, and those choosing other methods, screening should be done more often.
Share this information with your employees — it could save their lives!
Julie Sich is the health promotions coordinator for SummaCare, Inc. Reach her at (330) 996-8779 or [email protected].
SummaCare offers a full line of health plans and ancillary products. Through its extensive network of more than 7,000 providers and more than 50 hospitals, SummaCare offers coverage to more than 115,000 members throughout northern Ohio.
