Colorectal Cancer Screening Saves Lives
Aspirus Health Urges Early Detection
3/27/2025
Dr. Heather Osterbrink, Aspirus General Surgeon
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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