Have a candid, crucial conversation with your doctor

Many people are squeamish about talk involving their gastrointestinal system, specifically their bowels. However, a candid conversation with your physician can relieve the embarrassment and any concern you may encounter.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the American Cancer Society (ACS) have designated March as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and urge everyone over the age of 50, or 45 for African-Americans, to be screened. It is estimated that only 60 percent of this population have undergone regular, routine screening. Along with breast cancer and prostate cancer, colon cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the United States. Additionally, it has the highest rate of prevention through early intervention.

Speaking to your primary care physician about your screening options is crucial, given that there are no visible symptoms during the onset of colorectal cancer. The two most popular procedures to detect possible cancer are the Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) and a colonoscopy. The FIT, which is recommended annually, is a self-administered kit that examines a stool specimen for traces of blood. As a precaution, a positive FIT must be followed with a colonoscopy to ensure accurate results. A colonoscopy is an outpatient procedure with the primary purpose of investigating and removing polyps; most insurance plans cover this procedure and it is ideally performed every 10 years.

Cancer potential

A polyp is a clump of immature cells that adhere to the colon wall. Most polyps are benign, but they can grow and form cancerous cells. Polyps also have the ability to obstruct blood flow to vital organs. For these reasons, early detection is vital. Besides screenings, there are other recommendations one should follow to lower the risk of cancer.

The CDC recommends a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and limiting alcohol use to help lower the risk of developing cancer. Conversely, consuming heavy amounts of red meat, salt-preserved foods, and high-fat diets are some of the many ways to jeopardize one’s health. In addition, heavy drinking (constituting two drinks or more per day) combined with nicotine use increases the risk of developing colorectal cancer, according to the CDC. Inadequate physical activity is another thing that can influence health outcomes. Engaging in at least 90 minutes of rigorous or 150 minutes of moderate activity per week is a path to great health. Moderate activities include walking and swimming.

Overall, regular screenings and adhering to these recommendations can help lower the risk of colorectal cancer. Please talk to your doctor about the best screening options for you. For more information, visit cancer.org or www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/sfl.