What You Need to Know About Colon Cancer

The death of Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman due to colon cancer is tragic. He was young, he was successful, and calmly and confidentially bore the brunt of his devastating diagnosis. He’s not alone either. “Colon cancer is one of the most common cancers in the United States,” says Dr. Mazen Alasti, a gastroenterologist at Ascension St. Vincent in Indianapolis. Here’s what you should know about it – the risks, the signs, and what you can do about it.

What is Colorectal Cancer?

According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer begins in either the colon (the main part of the colon) or the rectum (the last few inches of the colon). Where the cancer starts will determine whether it is called rectal cancer or colon cancer. Most colorectal cancers begin as a growth, called a polyp, in the lining of the colon or rectum. Not all types of polyps will develop into cancer, but some types can change and become cancerous over time. When it comes to polyps, the key is to find them as early as possible. “Finding polyps before they get bigger lowers the risk of developing them into colon cancer,” says Alasti.

Who is in danger?

“In the past, colon cancer has affected older patients,” says Alasti. Therefore, people over 50 are advised to have screening procedures such as colonoscopy and stool samples for early detection. The work paid off. According to Alasti, over the past 20 years, the number of patients with colon cancer over the age of 50 has decreased.

However, when it comes to patients under 50, the numbers are misdirected. “Over the past 15 years, we have seen an increase in the number of polyps in people under 50 and an increase in the incidence of colon cancer in people under 50. , – says Alasti.

The full picture of this increase and age shift is not fully known, but experts are seeing trends. “We believe that diet plays a role,” notes Alasti. When it comes to the reasons for the increased risk, all of them must be taken into account when considering foods high in fat, certain ingredients in our meals, and genetics. In response to the growing number of young patients, the American Cancer Society now recommends that people with an average risk of colorectal cancer begin regular check-ups at age 45.

While the answer to the question of why is still unknown, Dr. Alasti also notes that African Americans show symptoms earlier and with a higher mortality rate than Caucasians. With these thrilling statistics in mind, several societies have recommended that African Americans should begin the screening process at age 45.

What should n’t we do?

If you do experience symptoms, don’t ignore them. “Don’t ignore the blood in your stool, new abdominal pain that has no explanation and doesn’t go away very quickly,” advises Alasti. “Not every gastrointestinal symptom is associated with a major problem, but we need to be able to identify patients at an early stage.”

Do not avoid preventive medical examinations or tests. If you are suspicious of a colonoscopy, options such as stool analysis or blood sampling can help experts determine if additional steps or tests are needed. Ask your doctor what options are best for you.

Another preventative trick – and a good rule of thumb for most of our concerns – is to watch what you eat. “We recommend that people in general change their diet,” says Alasti. “What’s good for the heart is good for the colon.” Cutting back on processed foods and saturated fat are steps in the right direction.

Alasti also recommends getting an overview of your family’s complete medical history. “Genetics may play a role in the development of colon cancer,” he notes. “Anyone with a first-degree relative with colon cancer” – meaning a parent, sibling, sister, or child – “should be screened before other patients.”

Studies show that when diagnosed early, the survival rate of colon cancer is usually very high. Early diagnosis and treatment have been shown to produce better outcomes and much higher patient survival rates.

While Chadwick Boseman kept his struggles out of the public eye, his passing made a very serious problem public. Youth does not mean absolution. If you feel something, say something. If you are 45 or older, schedule regular check-ups. If you have not reached the age of the recommended examination, do not live in fear, but know. If you experience any of the above symptoms, see your doctor.

Trust your intuition, friends. It might just save your ass.

Updated on 09/02/2020 at 2:30 pm to note that impressions are not annual. According to the CDC , inspections are carried out every 5-10 years, depending on the type.