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WOMEN'S HEALTH
Screening for Colorectal Cancer Lisa Sousou, RPA-C
W
hat do you think of when someone mentions “women’s health” screenings? Most commonly, women may think of routine gynecological exams and Pap smears to screen for uterine, ovarian, and cervical cancer, and breast exams and mammograms to screen for breast cancer. An additional, and just as important, component of women’s health is screening for colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer - cancer of the colon or rectum - is the third most common cancer in both men and women in the U.S., and the second most common cause of cancer deaths. A woman’s lifetime risk is about 1 in 25, and it is being detected at earlier ages more and more often. Researchers aren’t sure why, but while 90 percent of colon cancers are still detected in people age 50 or above, there has been an increase of over 50 percent in the number of colon cancer diagnoses in Americans under 50 since 1994. One in five colorectal cancer patients are now 20 to 54 years old, so this issue is important to women of all ages. The traditional starting age for colon cancer screening has been age 50, but in recent times, this is starting to change. Although the recommendations vary among organizations, some, like the American Cancer Society, have updated their guidelines to recommend screening for most people starting at age 45. For some people at higher risk- those with family history of colon cancer before age 60, with inflammatory bowel disease, or with certain genetic syndromes- screening may be recommended even earlier. In general, periodic screening is recommended until age 75, with the option to continue until 85 based on individual factors. For most people who don’t have any symptoms, most organizations recommend a screening colonoscopy every 10 years. This procedure uses a long, flexible, lighted tube to look for polyps or cancer throughout the colon. Many women may feel anxious about having a first colonoscopy. Don’t be! In most cases, you will be completely sedated for the procedure, will not be uncomfortable, and will not remember anything afterward. Between colonoscopies, most recommend a yearly screening test, as well. Yearly screenings can include a fecal immunochemical test (FIT) or a guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (FOBT). These tests are simple and can be performed yourself in the privacy of your home; they detect blood in the stool, which can be an early sign of colorectal cancer. There are other colorectal cancer screening options available as well, including flexible sigmoidoscopy (which examines just part of the colon, and is usually recommended at more frequent intervals), stool DNA tests that detect cancer, or even CT imaging of the colon. The best screening test is one that will get done. Talk to your provider about what screening methods they recommend for you. Because of hesitation regarding in-person appointments and procedures due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many women have put off regular screening appointments during the past year. Is it time for you to catch up? Colon cancer is a preventable illness early detection is key. If you are 45 to 50 years old or older, or have risk factors, call your primary care provider, gynecologic provider, or gastroenterologist, and make an appointment for screening today! SWM
May 2021
Health and Wellness Edition
