Colorectal Cancer Screening Saves Lives

Aspirus Health Urges Early Detection

Colorectal cancer ranks among the top five most common cancers in the United States and is one of the top three causes of cancer-related deaths, according to the American Cancer Society. Despite its prevalence, early detection through routine screening can significantly reduce the risk of advanced disease and improve survival rates.

 

“Colorectal cancer is cancer of the colon and rectum, which is the same thing as the large intestine,” said Dr. Heather Osterbrink, a general surgeon at Aspirus Health. “Risk factors include a family history of colon cancer, smoking, a low-fiber diet, being overweight, and a sedentary lifestyle.”

 

Current guidelines recommend colorectal cancer screening beginning at age 45 for most adults. However, individuals with a family history of colon cancer or conditions like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis may need to be screened earlier. A colonoscopy is considered the most effective screening method for both detecting and preventing colorectal cancer.

 

“Not only is a colonoscopy a good screening tool, but it is also a useful treatment tool,” said Dr. Osterbrink. “If we remove polyps, we reduce the risk of colon cancer by 90 percent.”

 

A colonoscopy is an outpatient procedure that allows physicians to examine the colon and remove any potentially cancerous growths. Patients undergo bowel prep the day before to clear the colon, ensuring optimal visibility for detecting small polyps. The procedure typically lasts between 20 minutes and an hour, with patients returning home the same day.

 

For those seeking alternative screening options, stool-based tests like the FIT test and Cologuard are available. However, these tests have limitations. FIT is an annual stool test that detects blood in the stool but may not identify polyps. Cologuard, recommended every three years, detects some cancerous cells but identifies fewer than 40 percent of polyps.

 

Beyond screening, lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. Avoiding tobacco and increasing dietary fiber intake, aiming for at least 10 to 15 grams per day, can contribute to better colon health.

 

Since colorectal cancer often develops without symptoms, regular screening is the best defense. Talk to your primary care provider to discuss your risk factors and determine the best screening option for you. Visit aspirus.org/primarycare to learn more or find a provider near you.

 

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