Get checked sooner for colorectal cancer

Did you know that colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in the U.S., excluding skin cancers, and the second-leading cause of cancer-related death in men and women? More than 50,000 patients die of the disease each year.

That's why the American Cancer Society (ACS) is now recommending that people with an average risk of the disease get screened at 45 instead 50, which was previously recommended.

Who’s at risk for colon cancer?

People are considered to be at average risk if they do not have:

• A personal history of colorectal cancer or certain types of polyps
• A family history of colorectal cancer
• A personal history of inflammatory bowel disease
• A confirmed or suspected hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome
• A personal history of getting radiation to the abdomen or pelvic area to treat prior cancer

According to its research findings published in a clinical cancer journal, the ACS believes earlier screenings will result in more lives saved from colorectal cancer.

Ron G. Landmann, MD, colon and rectal surgeon and chief of Colorectal Surgery at Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center, wholeheartedly agrees.

“Despite the tremendous improvements in survival we have seen with screening for and treatment of colorectal polyps or cancer over the past decade, there has been a significant increase in the incidence of colorectal cancer in the younger patient population – those under the age of 50,” said Dr. Landmann. “Signs of bleeding, pain or a change in bowel habits should be investigated early. In many cases, a colonoscopy can prevent colon cancer from developing and will save your life.”

Colonoscopy vs. stool test

There are two main types of testing options for colorectal cancer: a fecal DNA stool-based test and a visual exam of the colon and rectum, commonly known as a colonoscopy. Your health care provider will help you decide which test is the best option for you.

In the event of an abnormal test, your primary care provider or specialist can help you choose the appropriate surgical procedure. The type of surgery used depends on the stage or extent of the cancer, where it is located, and the goals of treatment. Radiation and chemotherapy may occasionally be needed in addition to surgery.

In the U.S., the vast majority of colorectal cancer procedures are performed using an open approach, where a surgeon uses an incision in the abdomen to gain access to the bowel. This surgical approach usually has a long recovery.

Robotic surgery benefits

Some oncology surgeons use modern technology to limit the incision length during bowel surgery. One of the benefits of these laparoscopic (minimally invasive) robotic surgeries is that recovery time is nearly cut in half.

An expert in robot-assisted colorectal surgery, Dr. Landmann is experienced in these operations that not only shorten recovery time, but lead to improved outcomes and survival, helping you quickly return to your everyday activities.

“Our development and experience with newer robotic surgical techniques allow for the best outcomes in our patients," said Dr. Landmann. "In most cases, robot-assisted colorectal surgery is available and your surgeon can help decide if it is right for you.”

The ACS's estimate for the number of new cases of colorectal cancers in the U.S. for 2025 will rise to 107,320. But thanks to early detection, there are more than 1 million colon cancer survivors living in the U.S. today.

Source: American Cancer Society