Early detection still best treatment for Colon Cancer, Oakwood says

Colorectal Cancer is the third most common form of cancer in the United States, but it does not have to be fatal.

Fuad Azrak, MD, MPH, said that as many a 150,000 patients may be diagnosed this year and up to 50,000 people may die from the disease.

“The great majority of these deaths are preventable,” said Azrak, an Oakwood-affiliated gastroenterologist and internal medicine specialist. Colon cancer is highly treatable if caught early, he said.

That’s because screenings like colonoscopies can detect colorectal cancer before it develops, said Fuad Turfah, MD, an Oakwood-affiliated surgeon. Colonoscopies detect the presence of polyps in the colon that may develop into cancerous growths.

“The unique thing about colon cancer is that if you do a colonoscopy and find a polyp, you remove the polyp and that way you can prevent the cancer,” said Turfah.

Men and women have a nearly equal risk of developing colon cancer, according to Azrak. Everyone has some form of risk, he added, but certain factors will increase those risks, such as being older than 50, African American and having a diet that is high in fat from animal sources. Obesity and low amounts of physical exercise increase your risk of developing colon cancer, as do tobacco and alcohol use.

“Those who have a family history of colon cancer or a personal history of other bowel diseases, like Crohn’s Disease or ulcerative colitis have a higher risk, as well,” said Azrak.

Generally, colon cancer does not present symptoms in the early stages, when it is most treatable. Symptoms of advanced stages of the disease include blood in the stool, a change in bowel habits—such as diarrhea or constipation that lasts for more than a few days—as well as changes in the consistency of bowel movements. Cramping, abdominal pain, nausea and unexplained weight loss are also warning signs.

“Colorectal Cancer often presents in patients without symptoms,” said Azrak. “This is why screening is very important. “These symptoms can also be caused by some more benign diseases such as hemorrhoids or inflammatory bowel disease, which is why it’s very important to go to a G.I. specialist if you have them.”

Colonoscopies are generally suggested for men and women beginning at age 50. Anyone with a family history of colon cancer should have a colonoscopy about 10 years prior to the age their family member was diagnosed, however.

“You want to catch it at the polyp stage, before it develops into cancer,” said Turfah.

Colonoscopies are typically performed in the doctor’s office and don’t require any hospitalization. The procedures themselves are relatively short, but the preparation takes about 24 hours.

“It’s actually a very well-tolerated procedure,” said Azrak. “The most important thing about the colonoscopy is the day prior to the colonoscopy. The patient should stay on a clear liquid diet and take a cleansing solution to clear the colon so the physician will be able to examine the colon thoroughly.

The procedure itself takes between 15-30 minutes depending on the findings of the exam and the patient is sedated to keep them comfortable,” he added.

As a screening tool for colon cancer, colonoscopies are covered by all insurances under the Affordable Care Act. However, cost-sharing may be different between medicare and private insurances when a polyp is removed.  

For more info, visit the Oakwood Center for Cancer Care.