Some subjects are not the easiest to approach, but they are important enough that I must.
Considering March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of death in Massachusetts that is preventable, this sensitive subject matter must not be ignored.
Colorectal Cancer
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines colorectal cancer as a disease in which cells in the colon or rectum grow exponentially. The colon is the large intestine or large bowel. The rectum is the passageway that connects the colon to the anus.
“Sometimes abnormal growths, called polyps, form in the colon or rectum. Over time, some polyps may turn into cancer. Screening tests can find polyps so they can be removed before they develop into cancer. Screening also helps find colorectal cancer early when treatment works best,” the CDC explains.
Risk Factors for Colorectal Cancer
Your risk of getting colorectal cancer increases as you age. Some of the main risk factors include:
- Inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
- A personal or family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps.
- A genetic syndrome such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), or hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (Lynch syndrome).
Certain lifestyle factors may also contribute to an increased risk of colorectal cancer:
- Lack of regular physical activity.
- A diet low in fruits and vegetables.
- A low-fiber and high-fat diet, or a diet high in processed meats.
- Overweight and obesity.
- Alcohol consumption.
- Tobacco use.
Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer
The CDC admits that colorectal polyps and colorectal cancer do not always cause symptoms, which is why screenings are so important. However, some symptoms may occur in aging adults with cancerous polyps or in advanced stages of colorectal cancer:
- A change in bowel habits.
- Blood in or on your stool (bowel movement).
- Diarrhea, constipation, or feeling that the bowel does not empty all the way.
- Abdominal pain, aches, or cramps that persist.
- Weight loss without reason.
If any of these symptoms are present, a consultation with your doctor is highly recommended.
Colorectal Cancer Screenings
In the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the MA Colorectal Cancer Control Program (MCRCCP) works to increase and improve the quality of colorectal cancer screening in federally qualified health centers.
“The MCRCCP aims to increase colorectal cancer screening rates across the Commonwealth and decrease inequities in colorectal cancer screening through supporting the implementation of evidence-based interventions establishing a learning collaborative with health centers.”
When colorectal cancer is caught early, it can be cured 90% of the time. The problem is, that in the early stages of colorectal cancer, there are no symptoms, so the only way to determine if cancerous polyps exist is through colorectal screenings.
Screening tests may include at-home stool tests for aging adults at lower risk of the disease, flexible sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, and CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy).
The Bureau of Community Health and Prevention (BCHAP) says, “Doctors recommend two main tests for colon cancer screening. You should talk to your doctor about the best test for you.”
- Stool test – A yearly at-home test that looks for hidden blood in the stool. This test is often recommended for patients who have an average risk for colon cancer.
- Colonoscopy – A procedure that looks for polyps.
Who Needs to be Screened for Colorectal Cancer
The BCHAP offers the following guidelines for colorectal cancer screening:
- Anyone between the ages of 45 and 75. Seniors older than 75 should consult with their doctor about the necessity of colorectal cancer screening.
- Aging adults with a personal or family history of polyps or colon cancer may need to be screened earlier.
- African Americans have a greater risk for colon cancer. For African Americans, colorectal cancer screening should start as early as age 45.
Aging adults with inflammatory bowel disease or those who are at greater risk of colorectal cancer should carefully monitor their gastrointestinal tract to prevent colorectal cancer.
For seniors living alone in the West Boston area, a compassionate Home Helpers® MetroWest caregiver can provide professional assistance with at-home stool tests and colonoscopy preps, as well as transportation to doctor appointments and regular cancer screenings.
In addition, the compassionate caregivers I employ are highly trained to provide in-home care services that include personal care and assistance with bathing, dressing and toileting, companionship, nutritional meal planning and preparation, recuperative care, and more.
I gladly offer a FREE Consultation so I can assess specific needs and create a personalized care plan to make life easier for seniors battling colorectal or other types of cancer.
Home Helpers® MetroWest proudly serves male and female seniors in Concord, Farmingham, Lincoln, Marlborough, Natick, Southborough, Sudbury, Wayland, Weston, and surrounding areas. We are Making Life Easier℠ in our Massachusetts communities every day! (508) 952-6219
Sources:
CDC
Mass.gov
MA Colorectal Cancer Control Program
Bureau of Community Health and Prevention
