By: Zoey Pittman
The Real Shit About Colon Cancer
By: Zoey Pittman
February 2, 2023
The past 24-hours for you have consisted of consuming a very strong laxative, only drinking clear liquids and several runs to the bathroom. All to prepare you for an exciting day, getting your first colonoscopy.
Colon cancer used to be the fourth most cancer-related death, but now it is the first leading-cause of death for men and the second for women. With the increased death rate, the U.S. Preventative Services Tasks Force changed the recommended ages for screenings from 50 to 45 years old.
During a colonoscopy, doctors are examining the upper and lower part of the large intestine for any polyps. The body’s large intestine, which is the colon, connects with the sigmoid colon, also known as the rectum, explained Rachel Lane, a P.A. for colon-rectal surgeons and oncologists.
Anything cancerous discovered above the sigmoid colon is colon cancer, and anything below it is rectal. However, the two cancers go hand-in-hand and are referred to as “colo-rectaul cancer,” according to Dr. Tripp Lynn, a primary care doctor.
When the colon develops polyps, which are cell growths that look like circular masses, they can become cancerous. During a colonoscopy, doctors are looking for these growths, removing them, and then testing them for cancer.
What makes the polyps cancerous is when they acquire dysplasia, said Lane.
Once a polyp is found, a patient will then have to regularly get screenings every five years, because that is its developing period, in hopes to catch any regrowth of masses early.
While experts do not know what is causing the illness, they do know what it is and how to optimally prevent it or catch it early.
“We do not have an answer, but we have some speculations, like diet and environmental factors,” said Dr. Lynn.
It is even suggested that if there is any history of a first degree relative having the cancer, to have a colonoscopy 10 years before the recommended age. Although there is no strong correlation that colon cancer is genetic, according to Dr. Lynn.
If it is not genetics related and doctors do not really know why it is becoming prominent in younger adults, then how does somebody protect themselves under the age of 45?
“I think our diet is worsening, not that it causes it, but it definitely does contribute to it,” said Lane.
Being sedentary, consuming copious amounts of alcohol, smoking, and not drinking an adequate amount of water can contribute to the development of colon cancer. Having the right lifestyle choices can help prevent or prolong the disease.
“Start by going to your primary care doctor, because they can take a peak at what is going on and then refer you,” suggested Lane.
On top of lifestyle habits, having a primary care doctor and staying on top of bowel movements is beneficial.
It is important to know the warning signs of colon cancer like abdominal pain, shifts in bowel movements, rectal bleeding and changes in stool characteristics, such as watery, misshapen, or unusual color, said Dr. Lynn.
“If you think something is going on, go get it checked out. The worst they can say is that there isn’t anything going on and you can always get a second opinion,” said Maggie Galbierz, P.A. student at South University.
At home resources like Cologuard are useful and convenient to use, but the gold standard is going through with a colonoscopy.
“No one likes getting a colonoscopy, that’s the worst, and the men are even worse about getting it done because they’re scared,” said Dr. Lynn.
To put a mind at ease for a young adult, it is important to take proper precautions and to take care of one’s health. It should also be noted of any known prior GI issues like ulcerative colitis or crohn's disease, as that can put one at risk of developing colon cancer, said Dr. Lynn.
“It is becoming more prevalent and patients are having more bowel issues like chronic diarrhea or constipation. It is definitely well known that the earlier you catch it, the better the outcome,” said Galbierz.
And that folks, is the real shit about colon cancer.