Dont Let Colorectal Cancer Slow You Down!

At Marshall

We understand that good health is key to living an active, independent lifestyle. Colorectal cancer can often go unnoticed, but early screening is essential to maintaining your quality of life. Don’t let the unseen dangers prevent you from fully enjoying all that El Dorado County has to offer. Colonoscopy is the gold standard for detection, and with various testing options available, now is the time to schedule your screening. Safeguard your health and continue living life to the fullest.

Taking care of your health is important ,and one of the best ways to do this is by having a Primary Care Provider (PCP). Your Primary Care Provider is your partner in helping you maintain good health and can help identify potential health problems early, including colorectal cancer.

Facts you should know:

  • Colon cancer affects all races, genders, and ethnicities.
  • It’s the 3rd most common cancer among men and women.
  • About 75% of people have no family history
  • It’s on the rise in people 45-49
  • CRC typically starts as a polyp on the wall of the colon or rectum which may develop into cancer.
  • Many people with early-stage CRC have no symptoms, but screening can detect signs of cancer.
  • Black Americans have the highest death rate due to colorectal cancer and also have the highest risk of developing the disease.
  • Hispanic Americans have the second-highest death rate due to colorectal cancer.

Stories of Resilience: Colorectal Cancer Awareness, Robert's Journey

The American Cancer Society recommends those at average risk start regular screenings at 45 years of age. Robert waited until he was 56 and received the devastating diagnoses of colon cancer. He and his wife Jodi are now sharing their story of hope and resilience to encourage others to get screened. Don't wait. Make an appointment with your doctor and talk to them about screening options today.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What are the signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer?

As with many other cancers, symptoms of colorectal cancer may not appear until after the cancer has already progressed and spread. In addition, many common signs of colorectal cancer are the same symptoms that arise from less dangerous conditions, such as hemorrhoids irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Symptoms of colorectal cancer may include:

  • Fatigue
  • Abdominal cramps
  • Blood in the stool, or stool that is extremely dark in color
  • Diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of the stool (e.g. stool that is stringy or pencil-like) that lasts for several days
  • The sensation that you need to have a bowel movement even after you have one
  • Rectal bleeding
  • Unexplained weight loss

Will I get colorectal cancer if someone in my family had it?

Surprisingly, only about 5% of colorectal cancers are considered to be hereditary. With that said, you are 2-3 times more likely than the average person to develop colorectal cancer if close relatives such as parents, siblings, or children have been diagnosed with colorectal cancer.

What is a screening colonoscopy and when should I have one?

A screening colonoscopy is an outpatient procedure that is performed on sedated patients. This procedure uses a flexible scope equipped with a lighted camera to inspect the entire colon and rectum. During the operation, your surgeon will generally remove any polyps discovered in the colon. To prepare for the colonoscopy, you will likely be instructed only to drink clear liquids like water and chicken broth the day before the procedure.

If you are considered an average risk for colorectal cancer, it is recommended that you begin screening at 45. If no concerns are raised, screening should continue to be done every 10 years thereafter. Of course, there are some exceptions to this guideline. For instance:

  • African Americans are usually at higher risk for colorectal cancer, and should thus begin screening earlier than age 45
  • Individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer should begin screening around age 40
  • Any other individuals at high risk (those with hereditary syndromes, IBS, etc.) should begin screening earlier than age 45, and should screen more frequently thereafter

Can I prevent colorectal cancer?

Unfortunately, there is no 100% guaranteed way to prevent colorectal cancer. Nevertheless, there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing this disease. These include:

  • Engaging in 2 1/2 hours of moderate to strenuous physical exercise every week
  • Limiting the amount of red and processed meats you eat
  • Taking in adequate amounts of calcium, fiber, fruits, and vegetables
  • Limiting your daily alcohol consumption (1 drink for women, 2 drinks for men)
  • Avoiding/quitting cigarettes and other forms of smoking
  • Working to maintain a healthy body mass index and weight

What is the prognosis when diagnosed with colorectal cancer?

Regardless of the stage, the 5-year overall survival rate for patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer is about 63%. When caught earlier, however, the rate increases to 91%.

Source: Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers