Amid a persisting pandemic, lifesaving colorectal cancer screenings should not be ignored
Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in the United States, and the American Cancer Society (ACS) forecasts 104,270 new cases of colon cancer and 45,230 new cases of rectal cancer in 2021. But despite the disease’s high mortality rate, increased screening and greater awareness around preventive lifestyle changes have for decades driven down the number of annual colorectal cancer diagnoses.
“The success we have seen in decreasing rates of colorectal cancer diagnoses each year underscores the importance of knowing your risk for the disease and partnering with a primary care physician who can help you identify lifestyle, genetic or other risk factors that determine when screening should begin and with what frequency,” said Samuel Abbas, MD, internal medicine physician with Parkridge Medical Group East Ridge.
Knowing your risk for colorectal cancer and following established screening guidelines is critical for detecting the disease in its earliest, most treatable stages. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to significant decreases in cancer screening, but Parkridge Health has taken extra precautions at all its facilities to create a safe environment in which patients can receive screenings they need.
“Since the onset of the pandemic, Parkridge Health has instituted protocols to prevent transmission of respiratory illness,” Dr. Abbas said. “From universal masking, social distancing and handwashing guidelines to virtual appointments and rigorous requirements for disinfecting high-touch areas, we’ve done everything in our power to increase the safety of our patients at all points on their healthcare journey.”
Knowing your risk
The United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends colorectal screening begin at age 50 for most people, but for those who are at increased risk, some guidelines recommend beginning screening at age 45. Because colorectal cancer screening guidelines are complex, a primary care provider is a key partner in evaluating your level of risk and at what age you should begin annual colorectal cancer screenings.
Those who are at average risk for colorectal cancer do not have any of the following:
- Confirmed or suspected hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome
- Family history of colorectal cancer
- Personal history of colorectal cancer or polyps
- Personal history of inflammatory bowel disease
- Personal history of radiation therapy to the abdomen or pelvic area during prior cancer treatment
Those who are at increased or high risk for colorectal cancer may need to begin colorectal cancer screening before 45 years old and/or adhere to a personalized screening schedule. People in this category do have any of the following:
- Family history of hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome
- Family or personal history of colorectal cancer or polyps
- Personal history of inflammatory bowel disease
- Personal history of radiation therapy to the abdomen or pelvic area during prior cancer treatment
Once you and your primary care provider have determined your level of risk and the appropriate frequency for colorectal cancer screening, it is important that you adhere to your screening schedule. Detecting colorectal cancer when the disease has not spread beyond the colon or rectum, significantly increases the chances of successful treatment. According to the ACS, 5-year survival rates dramatically increase – by more than 70 percent – when colon or rectal cancer is discovered in its earliest stages.
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