March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

Colorectal cancer is the second deadliest cancer among both men and women combined in the United States. It's also the third most common cancer diagnosis in African Americans. This year alone according to the American Cancer Society, it's estimated that colon cancer will have 104,270 new cases and rectal cancer will have 45,230 new cases.

Research shows that African Americans have the highest rate of colorectal cancer than any other racial group in the US and it's ravaging our community.

Colorectal cancer can develop slowly over several years and it can begin as a noncancerous growth. Early detection is key and it plays a major role in life and death. During this pandemic, screening test are still available to prevent or detect the disease at an early and more treatable stage. Unfortunately, more than 50,000 people die from colorectal cancer each year.

The American Cancer Society now recommends that colorectal screening begin at age 45. Recently due to the realization that colorectal cancer rates are climbing amongst younger individuals under the age of 50. However, those that are at a higher risk should talk to a physician about starting their screening at an earlier age.

In an interview with colorectal surgeon Dr. Samantha K. Hendren, she speaks to The Telegram News to help educate our readers about colorectal cancer. Dr. Samantha K. Hendren is a faculty member in the Department of Surgery at the University of Michigan, Michigan Medicine in Ann Arbor, MI. Her clinical practice includes traditional and minimally invasive surgery for colon, rectal and other bowel cancers, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and anorectal disorders.

Clifton: How can men and women request a colonoscopy before the recommended age of 45?

Dr. Hendren: For an average risk person, we recommend the age of 45 unless there are symptoms. Symptoms would be blood with bowel movements that would prompt earlier colonoscopy.

Another symptom would be a change in the size or shape that will prompt a consideration for a colonoscopy. It would be a decision between the patient and the primary care provider.

Clifton: What makes a person a higher risk patient?

Dr. Hendren: One of the things that I think is the problem, is knowing what constitutes as higher risk and they should be seen prior to the age of 45. Family history is most important, first degree relatives, parents, siblings and children also inflammatory bowel disease are the two major risk. Your risk is doubled in comparison to the average person.

Dr. Hendren: Another piece is that, if you have a first degree relative with colorectal cancer, you should start getting a colonoscopy at 40 or 10 years younger than the age of your closest relative when they were diagnosed.

Clifton: Can people do anything to change the outcome of receiving a diagnosis of colorectal cancer?

Dr. Hendren: There are risk factors that can be modified, being overweight or obese puts you at higher risk, maintain a healthy weight is important. Cigarette smoking increases those risks and so does drinking alcohol.

Clifton: What increases the risk in the African American community?

Dr. Hendren: It's estimated that 35% of risk for colorectal cancer is genetic and the rest is environmental.

Clifton: What are your thoughts about the home test for colorectal cancer?

Dr. Hendren: It's' called a FIT test. It is a great alternative to colonoscopy for people with average risk and doesn't have a high-risk factor. They are not appropriate for anyone with higher risk, those with family history or have had a colonoscopy and a polyp has been found.

Clifton: Is there anything else that you would like to share with the Telegram News about Colorectal Cancer?

Dr. Hendren: I am super excited about the screening age being lowered to 45 because, it's going to save lives and it's a game changer.

If you are experiencing any symptoms or have any questions or concerns, please contact your primary physician or a health care provider. When caught at the early stages, Colorectal Cancer doesn't have to be an automatic death sentence.