Colorectal cancer includes cancers of the colon or rectum. It’s America’s third most commonly diagnosed cancer in men and women, and people are being diagnosed at younger ages than ever before. With no early warning signs, screening is crucial — especially with certain risk factors.
Of course, it’s not easy talking about colons and cancer with family, friends or even your favorite doctor. But your doctor cares and is happy to talk with you about easy steps that could save your life.
How to Keep Colorectal Cancer Out of Your Life
There’s a lot you can do a lot to lower your risks and raise your awareness of colorectal cancer. Not sure where to start? Three things top the list:
- Get colorectal tests and screening appropriate for your age and risk factors
- Know the warning signs and symptoms
- Don’t delay getting checked If you see symptoms, especially bloody stool
UChicago Medicine AdventHealth is home to gastroenterologists like Hadi Siddiqui, DO. He is passionate about smart screening and lifesaving cancer treatments.
“Colonoscopy is the best way to prevent colon cancer,” Dr. Siddiqui said.
Prevent Colorectal Cancers by Knowing the Facts
These red flags may mean your risk of colorectal cancer is higher:
- Family history of colorectal cancer — especially at early ages
- Heavy alcohol use
- Inactivity
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Poor nutrition — especially diets high in red or processed meat
Changing Trends and Rising Risks
In recent years, colorectal cancer rates have been falling in older age groups. According to the American Cancer Society, that’s because more people are getting screened and making lifestyle changes that decrease their risk factors. However, colorectal cancer rates are now rising among younger people, and men continue to have a slightly higher risk than women.
Colorectal cancer also disproportionately affects the Black community. Their rates are the highest of any racial/ethnic group in America. African Americans are about 20% more likely to get colorectal cancer.
New Screening Guidelines
The ACS now recommends screening for colorectal cancer start at age 45. Depending on the screening type, your age, results and risk factors, screenings should be done every 10 years, or more frequently depending on a variety of factors, such as family history of colon cancer, genetic diseases, etc. Ask your doctor or care team what they recommend for you.
Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer You Can’t Ignore
If you have colorectal cancer symptoms, seek expert help about warning signs — especially blood in your stool or rectal bleeding.
Signs of colorectal cancer can include:
- Anemia
- Abdominal cramps
- Bloating
- Blood in the toilet after a bowel movement
- Changes in bowel habits
- Low back pain
- Unexplained fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
- Urge to have a bowel movement when there’s no need
Colorectal Cancer Screening Tests
Screening tests can find cancer early when treatment is most effective. They could even prevent cancer because doctors can remove polyps that might become cancerous later.
Visual colorectal exams
Visual procedures let specialists look inside the colon and rectum. They use a camera-guided instrument or imaging device. Types of exams include:
- Colonoscopy. This procedure lets providers view your entire colon and rectum. They insert a thin, flexible tube into the rectum to find and remove abnormal growths.
- Computed Tomography (CT) colonoscopy. This option produces imaging of the entire colon so specialists can more closely examine the colon.
Colorectal Treatments
If diagnosed early, colorectal cancer has a five-year survival rate of about 90%. The primary treatment is surgery, though doctors use chemotherapy for advanced colon cancer. Other approaches include radiation therapy, immunotherapy and targeted drug therapy.
Schedule an Appointment
Peace of mind comes with getting a clean bill of health. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Hadi Siddiqui by calling 630-312-2590. He has offices in Bolingbrook, Hinsdale and Woodridge.
