Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer

Certain symptoms might indicate this cancer:

• blood in the stool
• narrower than normal stools
• unexplained abdominal pain
• unexplained change in bowel habits
• unexplained anemia

If you experience any of these symptoms, talk with your physician. CRC can also occur without symptoms, family history, or any predisposing conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease. When a patient is being evaluated for symptoms, this is NOT considered screening but diagnostic evaluation. The term screening is reserved for healthy, asymptomatic patients.

SCREENING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THOSE AT AVERAGE RISK:


Beginning at age 50, both men and women at average risk for developing CRC should have a colonoscopy every 10 years. The risk of developing CRC increases with age, with more than 90 percent of cases occurring in persons aged 50 or older.

Men and women should begin screening earlier and more often if they have any of the following CRC risk factors: a family history of CRC or polyps, a known family history of inherited CRC syndromes, a personal history of CRC, or a personal history of chronic inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s Disease).

People with risk factors for CRC or family history of CRC should talk with a gastroenterologist about screening at an earlier age and find out how often they need to be screened. Read the Screening and Surveillance for the Early Detection of Colorectal Cancer and Adenomatous Polyps, 2008: A Joint Guideline from the American Cancer Society, the US Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer, and the American College of Radiology. Endorsed by ASGE as part of the US Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer.

There are several screening methods which have different abilities to detect or prevent CRC: stool blood test known as Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) or Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT), flexible sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, CT colonography, barium enema with air contrast, and stool DNA testing. Tests which mainly detect cancer include FOBT, FIT, and stool DNA. Tests which mainly detect polyps or cancer include colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy, CT colonography, barium enema, and colon capsule endoscopy. Colonoscopy is considered the gold standard of colorectal cancer screening methods for its ability to view the entire colon and both detect and remove polyps during the same procedure.

Patients should speak with their physician about the screening method that is best for them. To learn more about CRC prevention and available screening options, log on to ASGE’s colorectal cancer awareness Web site www.screen4coloncancer.org

DIET AND LIFESTYLE:

There are no foods that directly cause colorectal cancer. However, studies of different populations have identified associations that may affect your risk of developing colorectal cancer. Smoking clearly increases the risk of colorectal cancer and other cancers. Studies have shown a slight increased risk of developing colorectal cancer among individuals with higher red meat or non-dairy (meat-associated) fat intake. Studies have also shown that getting an adequate amount of calcium and vitamin D in the diet or from supplements can reduce the risk of polyps and cancer. Use of aspirin and NSAIDs (such as celecoxib and sulindac) has been proven to decrease the risk of colorectal polyps. There may be a decreased risk of colorectal cancer in patients taking aspirin. However, the use of these agents is reserved for individuals at high risk for colorectal polyps and cancer.

Ongoing studies evaluating the role of vitamins and other natural products are underway to examine their role in colorectal cancer prevention. Few studies, though, have been able to show that modifying lifestyle reduces the risk of colorectal polyps or cancer. Nonetheless, lifestyle modifications such as reducing dietary fat, increasing fruits and vegetables, ensuring adequate vitamin and micro-nutrient intake, and exercise, may improve general health.

Regardless of your dietary and lifestyle habits, screening for colorectal polyps is the key in preventing colorectal cancer.

WHAT AFRICAN-AMERICANS SHOULD KNOW ABOUT CRC:

Although all men and women are at risk for CRC, some people are at higher risk for the disease because of age, lifestyle or personal and family medical history. According to studies, African-Americans are at a higher risk for the disease than other populations. Starting at age 50, everyone should begin routine screening tests. Research shows that African-Americans are being diagnosed at a younger average age than other people. Therefore, some experts suggest that African-Americans should begin their screening at age 45.

• The incidence of CRC is higher among African-Americans than any other population group in the United States.
• Death rates from CRC are higher among African-Americans than any other population group in the United States.
• There is evidence that African-Americans are less likely than Caucasians to get screening tests for CRC.
• African-Americans are less likely than Caucasians to have colorectal polyps detected at a time when they can easily be removed.
• African-Americans are more likely to be diagnosed with CRC in advanced stages when there are fewer treatment options available. They are less likely to live five or more years after being diagnosed with CRC than other populations.
• There may be genetic factors that contribute to the higher incidence of CRC among some African-Americans.
• African-American women have the same chance of getting CRC as men, and are more likely to die of CRC than are women of any other ethnic or racial group.
• African-American patients are more likely to have polyps deeper in the colon (on the right side of the colon).

WHAT HISPANICS SHOULD KNOW ABOUT CRC:

Hispanic Americans are less likely to get screened for the disease than either Caucasians or African-Americans. Starting at age 50, everyone should begin routine screening tests.
For more information about colorectal cancer prevention or to find a qualified doctor in your area, visit ASGE’s colorectal cancer awareness Web site at www.screen4coloncancer.org