OK, here’s my friendly month of March reminder again. March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and you will be seeing more information here and in the media about the importance of colonoscopy screening to prevent colon and rectal cancer. Be aware that in the U.S., colorectal cancer it the second most common cancer diagnosed, with approximately 105,000 new cases every year. Further, colorectal caner is predicted to cause approximately 50,000 deaths in the year 2020. This makes colorectal cancer the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., surpassed only by lung cancer. 

 Previously, the New England Journal of Medicine reported a 10 year study of more than 2,600 patients showing that if people have colonoscopy screening, their risk of developing colorectal cancer is decreased by a very significant 53%. Here is the bottom line from the research reported in that NEJM. “These findings support the hypothesis that colonoscopy removal of colon and rectal polyps prevents death from colorectal cancer.”

 Colorectal cancer nearly always develops from polyps, which are small growths on the inner lining of the colon. Removing these polyps substantially reduces the risk of colon cancer.  It is now estimated that nearly 30% of the adult population may have polyps, and because polyps have no early symptoms, these people are not aware they have polyps. Screening in the form of a colonoscopy is the standard of care and it is a very safe, effective, painless method of visually examining the entire colon and rectum while the patient is made sleepy with a light sedation. If any polyps are found, they are removed, thereby eliminating the risk of getting colorectal cancer. Further, if a colorectal cancer is found, it is curable if detected early. 

Colorectal cancer is often called the “silent killer,” since most patients usually have no early symptoms. In fact, the most common early symptom of colon cancer is nothing at all. Therefore, do not ever believe that if you are having no symptoms and feeling well, that you should not have colorectal cancer screening. Of course, if any symptoms are present, such as rectal bleeding, change in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, unexplained anemia, or other digestive symptoms, see your doctor right away for evaluation and recommendations. Please remember the following most important fact. The most common early symptom of colon cancer is nothing at all! This is why it is so important to follow these screening guidelines for this common but preventable cancer. Further, know that the risk for colorectal cancer is increased by a whopping 18% with smoking.

Colonoscopy screening is recommended for all persons over 50 years of age even if they have no symptoms. With a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, colonoscopy should be done at age 40, or 10 years before the age of the diagnosis of colorectal cancer in that family member. If polyps are found, or with a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, or with a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (colitis), more frequent examinations are recommended. Be certain to discuss colorectal cancer screening with your health care provider and be sure to follow these colorectal cancer screening recommendations.

Let me close by giving you a silly St. Patrick’s Day joke. Here it is. “What is Irish and lives in your back yard all summer long? Why, that would be “Patty O’Furniture.” I sincerely wish you all a most happy and safe St. Patrick’s Day.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Dr. Jim Surrell is the author of “The ABC’s For Success In All We Do” and the “SOS (Stop Only Sugar) Diet” books. Requests for health topics for this column are encouraged. Contact Dr. Surrell by email at sosdietdoc@gmail.com.