InHealth: 4 Tips for a Healthier Year

By Jasmine Dukandar, Board-Certified Gastroenterologist at Florida Digestive Health Specialists
February 2021

Colon cancer won’t wait – you shouldn’t either

Are you putting off your colonoscopy due to the pandemic? Don’t. When COVID-19 gripped the country, screenings plummeted nearly 90%. And more importantly, diagnoses fell by more than 30%.

These statistics are extremely worrisome. Approximately 1 in every 23 Americans is diagnosed with colorectal cancer and more than 50,000 people die from it every year. It is the nation’s second deadliest and third most common cancer. Fewer diagnoses indicates that we’ll see more cancer cases in upcoming years, and most likely at more advanced stages.

Screenings are safe and lifesaving

As the pandemic continues to impact our communities, people are cautious about going anywhere that isn’t necessary. This is undoubtedly a smart approach. However, for the vast majority of the population, the risk of skipping a cancer test is far greater than the risk of getting a colonoscopy. The CDC requires offices and surgery centers to follow rigorous protocols to ensure patients receive care in a safe environment. 

A colonoscopy is the number one way to prevent colorectal cancer and reduce fatalities from this deadly disease. Remember, the goal of a colonoscopy is to detect abnormal cells before they develop into cancer and to find cancer at its earliest stages, when it’s easiest to treat.

45 is the new 50

While the overall rates of colorectal cancer have been decreasing, the incidence in people under the age of 50 is slowly but surely increasing. For example, Black Panther actor Chadwick Boseman made headlines recently when he died of colorectal cancer at age 43. More and more young people are being diagnosed. New recommendations from reputable medical societies, like the American Cancer Society, say screening should begin at age 45 (rather than 50) for people of average risk. People who have a family history of colorectal cancer should talk to their gastroenterologist to determine whether they should start screening even earlier.

Understand the warning signs

Symptoms of colorectal cancer can include bloody stool, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and a change in bowel habits. However, many patients are asymptomatic in early stages, which is why routine screenings are crucial to catch this scary disease when it’s most treatable. So if you’re 45 or older, if you have a family history of colorectal cancer, or if you’re experiencing symptoms – go see your gastroenterologist. 

Gastroenterology Associates of Sarasota
2089 Hawthorne St #200,
Sarasota, FL 34239
(941) 365-6556 | FDHS.com