Do not delay: Get screened for colorectal cancer

MARCH IS observed as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Colorectal cancer, also called colon cancer, is cancer of the colon or rectum – the bowels. The rectum is the passage that connects the colon to the anus. Globally, colorectal cancer is a growing concern and a rising health burden.

In Jamaica, colorectal cancer is among the top five cancers that affect Jamaicans and the fourth-leading cause of cancer deaths. This cancer affects both men and women. What is for sure, though, is that colorectal cancer is one of the cancers that can be easily detected through screening.

Everyone should start screening, usually at age 45; and for adolescents with a personal or family history of intestinal polyps, screening starts at 12 years. Dr Nicola Skyers, non-communicable disease & injury prevention director of the Ministry of Health and Wellness, said screening is the mainstay of colorectal cancer prevention and early detection.

“As with so many diseases, the best defence against colorectal cancer is early detection. We can’t express enough that because the risk of death from colorectal Cancer drops dramatically [with early detection], screening is key. We all need to become informed about a disease that affects our population so significantly,” Dr Skyers said.

Most colon cancers begin as benign polyps. These are either flat or knob-like growths on the lining of the large intestine. Occasionally, the growths produce symptoms such as bleeding from the rectum, constipation, or blood in the stool. However, often there are no initial symptoms at all.

This cancer is preventable in some cases. Screening and early-detection options are available. The methods for screening commonly used are stool-based tests and colonoscopy. The screening test done and the frequency with which it is done are determined by an individual’s risk assessment – whether average or high risk.

High-risk individuals are monitored closely and screening may start before the recommended age for average-risk individuals in Jamaica – 45 years. High-risk individuals are referred to a specialist for their recommendations on screening.

The symptoms, if present, include, but are not limited to, a change in bowel habits, blood in the stool, and unexplained weight loss.

COMMON RISK FACTORS

The risk of colorectal cancer is higher in persons who have a family history of this disease, have a high-fat diet, smoke, lead a sedentary lifestyle and are overweight.

FAMILY HISTORY

•A first-degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) with colorectal cancer;

•A family history of certain types of polyps (for example, familial adenomatous polyposis);

•A family history of inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis, or Crohn’s disease;

•A relative diagnosed under age 50, or more than one affected relative;

•About 20 per cent of all colorectal cancer patients have a close relative with colorectal cancer.

PERSONAL HISTORY

•Personal history of inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis, or Crohn’s disease;

•Other cancers, such as ovarian, breast, and endometrial cancer.

OTHER RISK FACTORS

•Physical inactivity;

•Being overweight or obese;

•High consumption of red and/or processed meat and very low fruits and vegetables;

•Tobacco smoking;

•An average of two to four alcoholic drinks per day have a 23 per cent higher risk of triggering colorectal cancer than those who consume less than one drink per day

Use this month’s observance as the perfect time to start your screening regimen, know your risks, and take action. Visit the ncdip.moh.gov.jm website to learn more.

SOURCE: Ministry of Health and Wellness.