Mary Rose Strickland Board Member | Official Website
Mary Rose Strickland Board Member | Official Website
Colorectal cancer is a significant health concern in the United States, ranking among the top five most common cancers and contributing to the top three causes of cancer-related deaths, according to the American Cancer Society. Screening for this disease can lead to early detection, significantly reducing the risk of advanced disease and improving survival rates.
Dr. Heather Osterbrink, a general surgeon at Aspirus Health, presents an overview of the disease: “Colorectal cancer is cancer of the colon and rectum, which is the same thing as the large intestine.” She highlights risk factors including family history, smoking, low-fiber diets, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle.
Routine colorectal cancer screening is recommended starting at age 45 for most adults. Those with a family history of the disease or conditions such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis may need earlier screening. The colonoscopy is a leading method for both detection and prevention of colorectal cancer. Dr. Osterbrink notes, “Not only is a colonoscopy a good screening tool, but it is also a useful treatment tool. If we remove polyps, we reduce the risk of colon cancer by 90 percent.”
A colonoscopy, which is an outpatient procedure, allows for examination of the colon and removal of any potential cancerous growths. Preparation involves bowel prep the day before to ensure optimal visibility for polyp detection. The procedure takes about 20 minutes to an hour, with same-day discharge for patients.
Alternative screening options include stool-based tests such as the FIT test and Cologuard. However, these have limitations; FIT detects blood in stool annually but may miss polyps, while Cologuard, every three years, detects fewer than 40 percent of polyps and some cancerous cells.
Lifestyle changes, beyond screening, can mitigate colorectal cancer risks. Avoiding tobacco and increasing dietary fiber intake to at least 10 to 15 grams daily are recommended for better colon health.
Given that colorectal cancer often progresses without symptoms, regular screening remains a crucial preventive measure. Individuals are encouraged to discuss risk factors and screening options with their primary care provider. More information and provider contacts can be found at aspirus.org/primarycare.
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