The Power of Colorectal Screening

What is Colon Cancer? 

Today, the second most common cause of cancer death is a treatable one – colorectal cancer. Most colorectal cancers start in the inner lining of the colon or rectum as a growth called a polyp. 

Although polyps are common as patients age and most are benign or noncancerous, some types of polyps can change into cancer over time. The chance of a polyp turning into cancer depends on the type of polyp it is. 

If cancer forms in a polyp, it may grow into the wall of the colon or rectum over time. Colorectal cancer starts in the innermost layer of the wall and can grow outward through some or all the layers. When these cancer cells get in the wall, they can grow into blood vessels or lymph vessels, and from there, they can travel to nearby lymph nodes or other parts of the body. 

How Common is it Really? 

According to the American Cancer Society, the number of young people being diagnosed every year continues to increase. The rate of people younger than 50 receiving diagnoses has increased by 2.4% annually. Now the suggested age for screening is 45 years of age. 

Today, the American Cancer Society’s estimates for the number of colorectal cancers in the United States for 2025 are: 

• About 107,320 new cases of colon cancer (54,510 in men and 52,810 in women) 
• About 46,950 new cases of rectal cancer (27,950 in men and 19,000 in women) 

The reality is, at age 45, many people feel “healthy,” and colorectal cancer often goes undetected as there are few early warning signs. Despite your activity level and diet, if you are 45 or older, it is time to begin screening for colorectal cancer.  

Proud of Your Healthy Lifestyle? Still Get Screened. 

Local Harbin Clinic Gastroenterologist, Dr. Whitney Jennings, reiterates that lifestyle alone is not a great predictor of risk.  Dr. Jennings said, “Unfortunately, there is a real trend of developing colon cancer or advanced colon polyps at ages younger than historically seen. Even patients that are otherwise healthy are not immune.

Our guidelines have been updated to reflect this new norm, recommending colon cancer screening starting at age 45 for all average risk patients. Patients with a family history of colon cancer or colon polyps will need to start screening sooner.”

This month, talk with your primary care physician to discuss when you should be screened. For more information, visit Harbin Clinic Gastroenterology at https://harbinclinic.com/gastroenterology.