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Colorectal Polyps: What You Need to Know

Colorectal polyps are excess tissue that can form in the lining of the colon or rectum. While most are harmless, some can develop into cancer. Here’s what you need to know about polyps.

Causes, Risk Factors, and Symptoms of Colorectal Polyps

Polyps occur when certain mutations in genes cause uncontrolled cell growth. This continued growth can turn into groups of tissue- polyps- in your large intestine. Some of the risk factors for polyps include family history, being 50 or older, obesity, low exercise levels, and tobacco or alcohol use.

In many cases, polyps may not cause any symptoms at all. You may find you have a polyp only after an examination like a colonoscopy. However, in some cases polyps do cause symptoms. These include rectal bleeding, pain, changes in bowel habits, and a change in stool color (red streaks or black stool).

Neoplastic Polyps

One of the two main kinds of polyps is neoplastic. Neoplastic polyps have the potential to become cancerous. Within this classification, there are a few additional types of polyps. Adenomas are the most common type of polyp, making up around 70% of polyps. When found, it’s tested for cancer. It can take many years for these kinds of polyps to become cancerous, so with proper screenings they can be taken care of before they become a major problem. Serrated polyps are the second main type of neoplastic polyps. These can become cancerous depending on their location and size. Larger polyps have a higher risk of becoming cancerous.

Non-neoplastic Polyps

In comparison, non-neoplastic polyps usually do not turn cancerous. One common kind, hyperplastic polyps, are small and very rarely become cancerous. Another type, inflammatory polyps, are common in people with inflammatory bowel disease. These do not grow like other polyps- they develop in response to chronic inflammation. They tend to be benign. One final type is hamartomatous polyps. These may occur as part of a genetic syndrome, and tend to be benign as well.

Reducing Risk and Preventing Colorectal Cancer

In general, there are several lifestyle and screening measures you should take to reduce the risk of polyps and colorectal cancer. Eating fruits and vegetables and reducing fat intake are key dietary steps that can help you remain healthy. In addition, you should limit alcohol and tobacco consumption. Plus, staying active is a must.

You should also consider your risk for colorectal cancer or polyps based on family history. In some cases, you may want to pursue genetic counseling if your family has a history of colon polyps. Additionally, if you have a hereditary disorder that causes polyps, you may need earlier and more regular screenings.

Screenings themselves are a key aspect of preventing colorectal cancer. The colonoscopy remains the gold standard for screenings. It allows doctors to both detect and remove polyps to prevent colorectal cancer. In fact, annual colonoscopies reduce cancer incidence by around 89%. Screenings are now recommended earlier- at GHP we endorse annual colonoscopies for all patients ages 45-75. Visit our website to learn more.

Our experienced team at GHP has years of experience screening for and treating colorectal cancer. We can help establish the best plan of care for your situation. Contact any of our office locations to learn about the options we offer and schedule an appointment today.

 

What is H. Pylori?

H. pylori is a bacteria that can infect the stomach and cause complications like stomach ulcers. Here’s an overview of how doctors identify and treat this infection.

Causes and Risk Factors

H. Pylori is very common- in the United States, around 30-40% of people are estimated to have an infection with the bacteria in their lifetime. Most It may spread through contaminated food and water, and through an infected person’s saliva or other bodily fluids. As such, risk factors include eating food that is not cooked properly or safely and drinking contaminated water. Living in crowded conditions also increases risk, as does living in a developing country where living conditions may be less sanitary and more crowded. Additionally, if you live with someone who has H. pylori, you have an increased risk.

Symptoms and Complications

Most people with H. pylori never have any symptoms. For people who do experience symptoms, they can include a burning or ache in the abdomen, loss of appetite, nausea, boating, weight loss, frequent burping, and nausea. There are some complications that can occur with H. pylori as well. The infection can damage the stomach’s protective lining and allow stomach acid to create an ulcer (an open sore). Additionally, the infection can cause gastritis (inflammation) on the stomach lining. H. pylori infection is also a risk factor for some kinds of stomach cancer.

Diagnosis

There are a few ways doctors can diagnose H. pylori. They can perform blood testing to see if you have an active or past infection. They can also perform breath testing; in this case, you swallow a pill containing carbon molecules and then breathe into a bag. Doctors check for carbon in your breath- if it’s present this means the bacteria is present. Another testing option is a stool test, in which doctors analyze a stool sample for abnormal bacteria or proteins that indicate an H. pylori infection. In some cases, your doctor may perform an upper endoscopy to visualize your stomach and take a tissue biopsy.

Treatment and Prevention

Most often, doctors treat H. pylori infection with multiple antibiotics. They may use two simultaneously to hedge against the bacteria becoming resistant to one. Your doctor may recommend other treatments depending on your case. This can include prescribing proton pump inhibitors, which block stomach acid production. They may also prescribe histamine blockers, which block histamine, the substance that triggers acid production. Often times, you may undergo follow-up testing a few weeks after treatment to determine if the bacteria has been eliminated.

You can take some steps to prevent H. pylori infection. Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the bathroom and before eating. Only consume food that has been cooked in a clean and safe manner. Avoid unclean drinking water if possible. Doing these things can cut down on risk factors for H. pylori.

Our experienced team at GHP has years of experience diagnosing and treating H. pylori. We can help establish the best plan of care for your situation. Contact any of our office locations to learn about the options we offer and schedule an appointment today.

Hereditary Diffuse Gastric Cancer: What You Need to Know

HDGC, or Hereditary Diffuse Gastric Cancer, is an inherited condition that increases your risk of stomach cancer. Here’s what you need to know about the condition.

What is Hereditary Diffuse Gastric Cancer?

Hereditary Diffuse Gastric Cancer syndrome is passed down genetically. This condition causes signet-ring shaped cells to grow on the stomach wall. It can spread throughout the stomach, and it does not usually cause a mass. As a result, it is difficult to diagnose early on before symptoms occur with typical testing like an Upper Endoscopy. Later-stage symptoms of HDGC that can indicate the condition include weight loss, loss of appetite, vomiting, nausea, trouble swallowing, and stomach pain.

Only around 1-3% of all stomach cancers are HDGC, so this is a rare condition. It puts you at a higher risk of stomach cancer and lobular breast cancer. In particular, there is a higher risk of diffuse gastric cancer for people with the syndrome. Diffuse gastric cancer is a type of stomach cancer that tends to affect most of the stomach. Somewhere around 20% of stomach cancers are of this type.

Cancer risk for people in families carrying an HDGC gene is high. The risk of developing stomach cancer by age 80 is 67% for men and 83% for women. The lifetime risk for women with HDGC developing lobular breast cancer is around 20-40%.

Diagnosis

People with a family history of HDGC can receive genetic testing to identify gene mutations associated with the condition. There is no single gene mutation that indicates HDGC most of the time. In fact, in families with a strong history of diffuse gastric cancer, the most common gene mutation (CDH1) for this condition only accounts for around 30-50% of cases. In all cases of gastric cancers, CDH1 mutation only cause around 1-3% of cases. So, there are a particular set of circumstances that dictate whether genetic testing should be pursued. Family history has to be taken into account. The guidelines for testing for a CDH1 may include:

  • A diffuse gastric cancer diagnosis before age 35
  • A diagnosis of both diffuse gastric and lobular breast cancer
  • Over two cases of diffuse gastric cancer in a family
  • Multiple cases of diffuse gastric cancer in a family, with one or more diagnoses occurring before age 50

Reducing Cancer Risk

People with an HDGC diagnosis or confirmed CDH1 gene mutation have a few treatment options. Unfortunately, as alluded to earlier, early screening for HDGC is very difficult since the diffuse cancer involved is hard to detect. People with a CDH1 mutation may want to consider getting their stomach removed through a prophylactic total gastrectomy, as this is the only proven way to completely prevent diffuse gastric cancer. This is a significant surgery with long-term side effects, so you should discuss the option thoroughly with your doctor. If you do not want to pursue the surgery, intensive surveillance is another option. This involves an annual EGD (Esophagogastroduodenoscopy) with multiple mucosal biopsies. Additionally, women at risk of HDGC should consider early breast cancer screening starting at age 30. They may also want to consider biannual clinical breast examinations, monthly self-examinations, and frequent breast imaging tests.

Our experienced team at GHP has years of experience screening for and treating conditions including HDGC. We can help establish the best plan of care for your situation. Contact any of our office locations to learn about the options we offer and schedule an appointment today.

 

What is Anorectal Manometry?

Anorectal Manometry is a procedure that measures the function of anal and rectal muscles. This test helps doctors measure function and pressure in sphincter muscles involved in bowel movements. Here’s what you need to know about the procedure.

When is Anorectal Manometry used?

Anorectal Manometry is used to help evaluate patients with fecal incontinence or constipation. As a type of manometry, it measures the coordination and force of smooth muscles. In particular, it can help evaluate the strength and coordination of sphincter muscles. In short, Doctors use Anorectal Manometry to investigate in cases of abnormal bowel movements. So, if you have difficulty passing stool, struggle with uncontrolled bowels, or experience constipation, your doctor may recommend Anorectal Manometry. Doctors also use Anorectal Manometry to assess anal and rectal muscles pre and post-surgery, investigate functional anorectal pain, and make differential diagnoses regarding anal pain.

Preparing for the Procedure

There are a few preparatory steps you need to take before an Anorectal Manometry. Your doctor will give specific instructions before the procedure. You should not eat or drink anything starting midnight the night before the test. Additionally, your doctor may ask you to take one or two enemas a few hours before the test to empty your bowels. You should also discuss any medications you are taking before the procedure. In particular, you should not take smooth muscle relaxants the day before the procedure.

During the Anorectal Manometry Procedure

Anorectal Manometry does not involve any sedatives. During the procedure, you will lie on your left side with your knees bent. Your doctor will slowly insert a small catheter (tube) through your anal sphincter to your rectum. The catheter has a balloon attached at the end. Once the balloon is in place, your doctor will attach the exposed end of the tube to a machine that inflates the balloon. Your doctor will then measure the muscle coordination and strength in your rectum and anal sphincter. You may be asked to squeeze, push, and relax at various points as they are performing the testing. The machine measures subsequent pressure changes in the balloon. Your doctor may also measure other things like rectal volume, sensation, and muscle reflexes. Once they complete measurements, your doctor will deflate the balloon and remove the catheter and balloon. The procedure takes around 30-45 minutes in total.

After the Procedure

Since no anaesthetic is used during the test, recovery is immediate. You can resume normal activities and diet. Your doctor will discuss their findings with you after the procedure. This can take some time depending on their findings.

Depending on the findings, your doctor may make some recommendations. These may include dietary changes, using certain medication, and muscle strengthening exercise. In some cases, surgery may be required.

Our experienced team at GHP has years of experience performing procedures including Anorectal Manometry. We can help establish the best plan of care for your situation. Contact any of our office locations to learn about the options we offer and schedule an appointment today.

 

Colorectal Cancer and Age, Race, and Ethnicity

Colorectal cancer is not experienced equally by everyone. In the past several years, younger people have experienced increased colorectal cancer rates and deaths. Additionally, Black people and American Indians experience more cases of this cancer and related deaths. Here’s what you need to know about how this disease affects different people.

Colorectal Cancer in Younger Adults

Rates of colorectal cancer have been on the rise for younger and younger adults over the last several years. According to the American Cancer Society, while rates for adults 50 and older have fallen due to increased screenings, the opposite trend has occurred for younger adults. Recently, people 65 and older have experienced a decrease of around 3% per year from 2011 to 2016. In contrast, people ages 50 to 64 have seen rates rise by 1% per year in the same time frame. People under 50 have actually seen rates rise by 2.2% per year in the same window. Clearly, younger adults are seeing steeper increases in cases. Death rates have followed similar patterns. Death rates for colorectal cancer also vary by age group. Between 2008 and 2017, death rates fell by 3% per year in people 65 and older and dropped by 0.6% in people 50 to 64. However, they rose by 1.3% in people younger than 50.

Fortunately, colorectal cancer can be very treatable if it’s caught early. Younger adults should be aware of warning signs. These include changes in bowel movements (particularly over two weeks or more), rectal bleeding, unusual stools, and tiredness or low energy. If they have any of these symptoms, they should see their doctor.

Disparities Based on Race and Ethnicity

Along with age, looking at colorectal cancer rates and death rates based on race and ethnicity shows significant variation. The American Cancer Society’s data from 2012-2016 showed that rates were dramatically different based on race. Rates for Asian people and Pacific Islanders were the lowest at 30 per 100,000. Non-Hispanic white people had a rate of 39 per 100,000, and Black people had a rate of 46 per 100,000. Alaska Natives and American Indians had the highest rate, at 89 per 100,000. Death rates vary significantly as well- colorectal cancer rates are around 20% higher for Black people than non-Hispanic white people, but death rates are nearly 40% higher in Black people. Additionally, for Alaska Natives and American Indians, death rates are about double the rate for Black people.

Early Screenings Save Lives

While many of these statistics are troubling, we do know that screening early is an effective way to catch more cases of colorectal cancer. More and more organizations, including Gastro Health Partners, are pushing for earlier screenings and research on the disparities around this disease. Early screenings save lives.

Our experienced team at GHP has years of experience screening for and treating colorectal cancer. We can help establish the best plan of care for your situation. Contact any of our office locations to learn about the options we offer and schedule an appointment today.

Lynch Syndrome: An Overview

Lynch syndrome is an inherited genetic condition that increases risk for colorectal and other cancers. It is the single most common cause of hereditary colorectal cancer. Here’s what you need to know about the condition.

What causes Lynch Syndrome?

Lynch syndrome, sometimes called hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer, is inherited by children from their parents. It is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, meaning that only a single copy of the altered gene needs to be present. So, if someone inherits a mutation in a gene related to the syndrome, they will still have a normal copy. However, cancer occurs when a second mutation affects the normal copy of the gene.

The specific genes involved in the syndrome are all involved in repairing errors that occur during DNA replication. If any of the genes (MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, and PMS2) have a mutation, errors occurring in replication accumulate, which can end up leading to uncontrolled cell growth and cancer.

Complications from Lynch Syndrome

If you have Lynch syndrome, you have a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer, and developing it at a younger age. People with the syndrome also have a higher risk of developing kidney, stomach, brain, liver, uterine, and some skin cancers. There are several other inherited conditions that can increase your risk of colon cancer, but this syndrome is the single most common. A rough estimate is that around 3% of all colorectal and endometrial cancers are caused by the syndrome. Around 1 in 279 people in the United States have Lynch syndrome.

In addition, having Lynch syndrome has impacts on the rest of your family. First, a positive diagnosis means that your blood relatives may have a chance of having the syndrome. In addition, any children you may have are at a higher risk of having it. If one parent has a genetic mutation related to the syndrome, a child has a 50% chance of inheriting it. This is because the syndrome is autosomal dominant, as discussed previously. You may want to meet with a genetic counselor to talk through these implications if you have a Lynch syndrome diagnosis.

The Importance of Family History

Since you inherit Lynch syndrome, knowing your family history related to colorectal cancers is crucial. If your family has a history of colorectal or endometrial cancer, you should talk with your doctor to evaluate your risk. In particular, you are more likely to have the syndrome if your family has a history of colorectal cancer at a young age, endometrial cancer, or other related cancers.

Your doctor may recommend a genetic evaluation of your family history and risk. Genetic counselors can help you understand Lynch syndrome and whether genetic testing is a good option for you. Usually, family members with the syndrome share the same specific genetic mutation. If any of your family members have a known a syndrome mutation, you may be tested for the same mutation if you are pursuing genetic testing.

The good news is that we can prevent a lot of the cancers caused by Lynch syndrome with early screenings. Screening early and often can help catch cancer early and lead to better outcomes.

Our experienced team at GHP has years of experience screening for and treating cancers caused by Lynch syndrome. We can help establish the best plan of care for your situation. Contact any of our office locations to learn about the options we offer and schedule an appointment today.

Achalasia: A Review of the Condition

Achalasia is a rare condition where the esophagus has trouble moving food and liquid to the stomach. If left untreated, it can become serious. Here’s an overview of the disorder. 

Causes and Risk Factors

Achalasia is a very rare disorder. Around 3,000 people are diagnosed each year in the United States. Doctors do not fully understand what causes the condition. A loss of nerve cells in the esophagus can cause achalasia. This could be a result of an infection or autoimmune response. In other very rare cases, an inherited genetic disorder can cause Achalasia. Though it is rare, this condition appears to affect middle-aged and older people the most. Additionally, people with immune disorders are at a higher risk for the disease. 

Symptoms of Achalasia

This condition is characterized by a few symptoms. These symptoms tend to appear gradually, worsening over time. They include dysphagia (inability to swallow), heartburn, regurgitation, chest pain, discomfort or pain after eating, coughing, and weight loss. It can cause considerable malnutrition and weight loss over a period of years, and is very serious if left untreated. 

Diagnosis

There are a few main tests used to diagnose Achalasia for people with issues swallowing. Doctors can use Esophageal Manometry to measure the muscle contractions in your esophagus during swallowing. It helps determine the force and coordination of your esophagus. This test can determine if you have Achalasia or another condition like Scleroderma. Another available test is an Upper Endoscopy, where your doctor examines your esophagus with an endoscope. They can also biopsy tissue during this test to determine if any other issues are present, like Barrett’s Esophagus. Additionally, doctors can take X-rays of your upper digestive system; in this case, you consume a liquid that coats your esophagus for better imaging of your esophagus. Sometimes, they may have you swallow a barium pill that they then track with an X-ray. 

Treatment and Prevention

Treatments for Achalasia involve both managing symptoms and altering esophagus function. Doctors can dilate your esophagus through balloon enteroscopy- they inflate a balloon attached to an endoscope in your esophagus to enlarge the opening. They often need to perform repeat procedures to maintain good dilation. Another treatment involved injecting Botox into the esophageal sphincter to relax the muscle. This option is best for people who are not good candidates for balloon dilation. 

There are a few surgical treatments available for severe cases. Heller Myotomy is a minimally-invasive endoscopic procedure that can help. Doctors cut the muscle at the end of the esophageal sphincter. This allows food and liquid to pass into the stomach more effectively. They may also pair this procedure with another called fundoplication. Here, they wrap the top of your stomach over the lower esophagus. This can prevent GERD from developing, which is a potential complication from the Heller Myotomy. 

Another potential treatment is POEM (Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy). During this procedure, doctors feed an endoscope into the esophagus and make an incision on the mucosa (lining). Then, they tunnel the endoscope through the mucosa to give access to the muscle below. Doctors then cut and partially remove the now exposed muscle beneath the mucosa. They complete the procedure by closing the incision. POEM helps to relieve tightness in the esophageal sphincter to allow for easier passage of food and liquids. 

Our experienced team at GHP has years of experience treating conditions including Achalasia. We can help establish the best plan of care for your situation. Contact any of our office locations to learn about the options we offer and schedule an appointment today.

Featured press release: DHPA Supports USPSTF Recommendations to Begin CRC Screening at 45, Calls for More Research on Disparities in Communities of Color

The Digestive Health Physicians Association recently announced its support for the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF)’s draft recommendation to begin colorectal cancer screenings at age 45. Gastro Health Partners endorses these changes as well. Read more about the DHPA’s support for the changing guidance in this press release:

“Washington, DC – The Digestive Health Physicians Association (DHPA) voiced its support for a draft recommendation by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) that Americans begin screening for colorectal cancer at the age of 45, an update of 2016 guidelines that had recommended that adults without risk factors for CRC should begin screening at age 50 and continue periodically until 75.”

Click here to read the full press release

Actor Will Smith and His Colonoscopy

Actor Will Smith recently posted a vlog on his YouTube channel documenting the process of getting a colonoscopy. His video is a great up-close look at the process and why it is so important for everyone.

The Colonoscopy Video

Will uploaded the video on YouTube on November 6, 2019. Will Smith turned 50 in 2019 and his doctor advised him to get screened for colorectal cancer. The video starts with him asking his doctor about the logistics of the procedure. He also documents the effects of the colonoscopy prep, and shows footage of him entering the exam room on the day of the procedure. We also see Will after the procedure under lingering effects of anaesthetic. The video ends with Will’s doctor talking through the exam results with him.

During the procedure, doctors actually found a polyp and removed it. Polyps are pre-cancerous lesions that are common in the colon. They removed the polyp and sent it to biopsy, where it was determined to be a tubular adenoma, a benign type of polyp that has the potential to become cancerous.

Will’s doctor speaks about her gratefulness that he was a compliant patient who took her recommendation for screening. She explains that the type and location of polyp Will had could have made it virtually unnoticeable if he hadn’t gotten screened; it is likely that by the time he started to show symptoms, it would have spread to other parts of his body. The video ends with his doctor talking through all of this and recommending a follow-up screening in the next two or three years, since he had a polyp. You can watch the video here.

A History of Celebrities Raising Awareness of Screenings

Will isn’t the first celebrity to publicize their own experience with a screening. Back in 2000, Katie Couric got a colonoscopy on the Today show to raise awareness on the importance of colon cancer screenings. Her husband had died of colon cancer in 1998. She went on to co-found the National Colorectal Cancer Research Alliance. In 2018, Couric also accompanied TV host Jimmy Kimmel through the colonoscopy process on his show.

The impact of celebrity promotion of screenings may be significant. In the year following Katie Couric’s Today show colonoscopy, there was a significant increase in screenings in the United States. A study from 2003 found that colonoscopy utilization rates increased in two large data sets following Katie’s promotion.  The first data set found an increase in the number of colonoscopies performed per month from 15 to 18.01. Additionally, analysis of the second data set, which was comprised of adults in a managed care organization, found that colonoscopies increased from 1.3 per 1000 people per month to 1.8 per 1000. This finding of increased screenings is called the Katie Couric Effect.

The Importance of Destigmatizing Colonoscopies

This video is important in a lot of ways. Having a celebrity share their experience with colon cancer screening can impact a lot of people and save many lives. As of the writing of this blog post, over 3.2 million people have watched the video.

Many people are uncomfortable with the idea of a colonoscopy, and avoid screenings for far too long. In particular, the idea of having an endoscope enter your body through your anus and the bowel prep associated with the procedure are barriers for some people. This is a problem, because screenings are extremely effective: colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the US and the survival rate for early detection of colon cancer is around 92%. Clearly, screenings save lives.

Our experienced team at GHP has years of experience performing colorectal cancer screenings. We can help establish the best plan of care for your situation. Contact any of our office locations to learn about the options we offer and schedule an appointment today.

Remembering Chadwick Boseman and the Importance of Colon Cancer Screening

The loss of Chadwick Boseman on Friday, August 28th came as a tragic surprise to the world. Only 43 years old, the actor, writer, and director had made a name for himself through his leading portrayals of American heroes such as Jackie Robinson in 42 (2013), James Brown in Get On Up (2014), and Thurgood Marshall in Thurgood (2017). His most iconic role was that of superhero T’Challa in Black Panther (2018). This role cemented his place in the Marvel franchise and the hearts and minds of people worldwide. Boseman’s cause of death was colon cancer, of which he had privately fought for four years prior.

This form of cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed and second most likely cause of death in men and women. Boseman’s death serves as a moving testament to our own mortality and the silent struggles many face. It also is a reminder to practice preemptive measures against this aggressive form of cancer. 

About Chadwick

Chadwick Boseman was born in 1976 in Anderson, South Carolina. He attended Howard University, where he pursued the dream of becoming a director. After graduating, he moved to New York City, where he wrote and directed plays, teaching acting on the side. It was only once he was cast in a recurring role on ABC’s “Lincoln Heights” that he began to consider a career as an actor.

On a whim, he moved to Los Angeles, acting in a number of roles before his breakout lead as Jackie Robinson in 42. Brian Helgeland, the writer of 42, noticed Boseman’s talent and stage presence immediately. “It’s the way he carries himself, his stillness — you just have that feeling that you’re around a strong person…” In the following years, Boseman continued to gain widespread acclaim, earning MTV Movie Award’s “Best Hero” title in 2018 and the top award of Outstanding Performance at the 2019 SAG Awards. Indeed, it felt as though Boseman’s career was just beginning.

Colon Cancer Screenings

Chadwick Boseman’s untimely death shines a light on the very serious risks of colon cancer. According to the Colon Cancer Coalition, one in 24 people develop colon cancer, with an equal risk in males and females. There are often no signs or symptoms associated with the onset of the disease. Therefore, diagnosis can be late, worsening chances of remission. A lot of people are only diagnosed through routine screenings, which doctors recommend to begin at 45 years of age. Many people fail to follow through with these recommendations. According to The National Colorectal Round Table, “if 80% of the eligible population was screened at the age of 50, the number of colorectal cancer-related deaths could be cut by 230,000.” Thus, following through with basic preventative measures can drastically reduce incidence.

Prevention

Prevention can begin at any age. Regular exercise, good diet, not smoking, and limiting processed foods/red meats can reduce the risk of developing colon cancer. Colon cancer does run in the family. Those with relatives who have had it have a 2 to 3 times higher chance of developing the disease.

You can dramatically reduce the risk of developing colon cancer. Educate yourself on personal risks and stay up-to-date with colon cancer screenings. For more information on colon cancer prevention and screenings in Kentucky and Southern Indiana, you can schedule an appointment with a gastroenterologist at Gastro Health Partners. Contact an office near you today for details.