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Although colorectal cancer can occur at any age, it affects most individuals over the age of 40. Often referred to as the “silent” disease, patients often present no symptoms until the cancer is advanced. However, if this type of cancer is found early, the cure rate is 80% or better, making regular screenings a vital competent to your routine health exams. Anyone may develop colorectal cancer, but there are a few factors that may increase your risk for the disease. Risk factors include:

• Family history of colorectal cancer or polyps
• African American descent
• Obesity
• Smoking/Alcohol Abuse
• Personal history of polyps
• Personal history of cancers of other organs especially uterus, ovaries, or breast
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) including ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn’s disease (CD)

If someone in your family has been diagnosed with colon cancer, you’ll want to start the screening process for both colon and rectal cancer 10 years before the age that he/she was diagnosed. For other individuals, colon cancer and rectal cancer screenings should begin at age 50. That being said, some complications can be dangerous. When the intestines get trapped inside a hernia, it’s called strangulation, and it could lead to loss of blood supply to the area. To prevent the possibility of strangulation, doctors recommend hernia surgery for most patients. The question usually isn’t if a patient needs surgery, but when. Some can wait. Others can’t.

Early cancers and polyps do not generally cause any symptoms, which is why screening (colonoscopy) is so important in preventing this disease. When symptoms do develop, the most common symptoms are rectal bleeding and changes in bowel habits such as constipation or diarrhea. Some patients with more advanced forms of the disease may also experience abdominal pain, weakness or fatigue, nausea, vomiting, or sudden weight loss.

Colonoscopy is the best tool for screening and preventing colorectal cancer. With early detection and removal of pre-cancerous polyps, colorectal cancer can be prevented altogether. If at the type of colonoscopy polyps are found, the chance of future cancer does increase. Therefore, it is recommended that a patient then has routine colonoscopies every 3 – 5 years instead of every 10. Like most all cancer-related diseases, early detection is key! Do not put off getting your colonoscopy. If you notice any change in your bowel habits, have experienced sudden and unexpected weight loss, and/or experience rectal bleeding, make an appointment for a private consultation with one of our renowned colorectal specialist in our office.

All individuals who are at an ‘average risk’ should have a screening colonoscopy beginning at the age 50, every 10 years to follow if no cancers or polyps are found. Individuals of African Americans decent have a higher risk of colorectal cancer and are recommended to begin screenings at the age of 45, and then every 10 years to follow if nothing is found. People with a family history of colorectal cancer, or polyps, suggests they have a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer. Individuals with a strong family history of other known genetically mutated cancers such as breast, ovarian or uterine cancer, are also at a great risk and should have a colonoscopy at age 40, or 10 years before the youngest diagnosed relative. Polyps detected at the time of colonoscopy may put you at a higher risk for developing cancer. If you have had a polyp detected on colonoscopy you should have repeat colonoscopies every 3 to 5 years to screen for new growths. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis puts individuals at a great risk for developing pre-cancerous lesions. Those suffering from IBD should have a colonoscopy 8 years after initial diagnosis, and then every 2 years to follow.

The treatment process for rectal cancer is heavily dependent on how far the tumor has penetrated into the wall of the rectum. After you have been diagnosed it is likely that several tests including a CEA blood level, CT scan or PET scan of your chest, abdomen, and pelvis will be ordered to analyze if cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Usually, an in-office exam will also be conducted to assess how close the tumor is relative to the anus and sphincter muscles. In addition, a rectal ultrasound or pelvic MRI may also be performed to determine how deep the tumor has penetrated and to see if any lymph nodes have been invaded. For cancers affecting the lower portion of the rectum, a sphincter-sparing surgery may be an option if cancer has not affected the sphincter muscles. In certain cases, when the anal sphincter muscles are affected by the tumor, removal of the entire anus and rectum may be necessary in order to ensure the highest possibility for a cure.

The treatments for colon cancer and rectal cancer are somewhat different. After you are diagnosed with colon cancer, your physicians may order several tests including blood (CEA level) and imaging tests (typically CT scan or PET scan of your abdomen and pelvis). If your cancer appears to be early stage, then surgery is the next step. This involves removal of the involved segment of colon along with the mesentery containing the lymph nodes and reconnection of the bowel. In most cases, this can be accomplished by minimally invasive surgery such as laparoscopy or robotic-assisted surgery. At the Surgery Group of LA Dr. Yosef Nasseri is one of the most sought-after and highly skilled robotic colorectal surgeons, utilizing the latest and most advanced surgical techniques to treat cancers of the colon and rectum. Once a tumor is evaluated by a pathologist, our team of specialist will then tailor and individual treatment plan to meet the patient’s specific needs.

This year, it’s estimated that more than 95,000 people will be diagnosed with colon cancer, and around 50,000 people will die from the disease. Colon cancer is the second leading cause of death in men and women in the U.S., and it is also the third most common form of cancer. While 90% of new cases of cancer are often diagnosed in those who are age 50 or older, the disease can impact anyone, depending on the number of risk factors that apply to you. Here are the top colon cancer risk factors that you’ll want to know about. Age aside, there are many risk factors that you’ll want to be aware of. If these risk factors apply to you, it’s important to undergo routine screening as early as possible. This helps to ensure the condition can be caught early and properly treated before it spreads.

• Family History: Your family history of colon cancer plays a large role in your risk of also being diagnosed with the disease. According to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, if one of your first-degree family members, such as a parent or sibling, has colon cancer, you have a two to three times higher risk of also developing the disease.
• Poor Diet: What you eat plays a huge role in your overall health. If you consume a lot of red meats, such as pork, beef, or lamb and eat a lot of processed meats like deli meat and hot dogs, you increase your risk of colon cancer. A lack of fiber and other important nutrients may also increase your risk of developing colon cancer.
• Smoking & Drinking: Most people know that smoking commonly causes lung cancer, but the bad habit has also been linked to other cancers, including colon cancer. Long-time smokers have an increased risk of developing colon cancer compared to non-smokers. Heavy alcohol consumption has also been linked to colon cancer. Moderate to heavy alcohol use is defined by having more than two drinks a day.
• Other Health Conditions: Certain health conditions, such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, Lynch syndrome, and inflammatory bowel disease, all increase the risk of colon cancer. A personal history of polyps is another risk factor that can raise the risk of developing this type of cancer.
• Being Overweight or Obese: Your weight impacts your body in many ways. If you’re overweight or obese, you have a much higher risk of developing the disease. Mortality rates are also higher in those who are overweight or obese. Having a large waistline increases the risk of colon cancer in both men and women, but studies have found that the link appears to be more common in men. While you cannot control your family history, genetic predisposition, or personal health history, there are things you can do to lower your risk of developing colon cancer. For example, eating more fruits and vegetables and improving your diet can greatly lower the risk. Other prevention techniques include:
  

• Quitting bad habits
• Making healthy lifestyle choices
• Being physical active

Another effective way to lower your risk of colon cancer is undergoing genetic testing along with routing health screenings, such as a colonoscopy, to evaluate your colon health.

Obesity has been identified as a significant risk factor for colon cancer. Excess body fat can lead to chronic inflammation and increased insulin levels, both of which may promote the development of cancerous cells in the colon. Maintaining a healthy weight through balanced nutrition and regular physical activity can help reduce this risk.

Yes, adopting certain dietary habits can lower the risk of colon cancer. Consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes provides essential nutrients and fiber that promote digestive health. Limiting the intake of red and processed meats, as well as reducing alcohol consumption, can further decrease risk. Incorporating fermented foods like yogurt and kimchi may also support a healthy gut microbiome, which plays a role in cancer prevention.

The gut microbiome, consisting of trillions of microorganisms residing in the digestive tract, plays a crucial role in overall health, including cancer prevention. A diverse and balanced microbiome aids in digestion, regulates the immune system, and protects against harmful pathogens. Disruptions in this microbial balance have been linked to an increased risk of colon cancer. Consuming a varied diet rich in fiber and fermented foods can help maintain a healthy gut microbiome.

While most cases of colon cancer are sporadic, a portion can be attributed to hereditary factors. Individuals with a family history of colon cancer or inherited syndromes like familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or Lynch syndrome have a higher risk. It’s important for those with a family history to discuss screening options with their healthcare provider, as earlier and more frequent screenings may be recommended.

Yes, although colon cancer is more common in individuals over 50, there has been an increase in cases among younger adults. Factors contributing to this trend may include lifestyle changes, obesity, and dietary habits. Awareness of symptoms and early screening are crucial, regardless of age, especially if there is a family history of the disease.

Regular screening is vital for the early detection and prevention of colon cancer. Screening methods like colonoscopy can identify precancerous polyps, allowing for their removal before they develop into cancer. Early detection through screening significantly improves treatment outcomes and survival rates.