March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness month
Dr. Walter Coyle talked about the risk factors of colorectal cancer, different screening options and the importance of early detection.
March is colorectal cancer awareness month, one of the most common and deadly forms of cancer. More than 153,000 new cases of colorectal cancer and 52,000 related deaths are estimated in the United States in 2023 (source: American Cancer Society).
Fortunately, people have the power to lower their likelihood of developing the disease. More than half (55%) of new cases in the U.S. are linked to controllable risk factors, such as diet and physical activity. For example, research shows exercising three times a week (and getting your heart rate up to 100) lowers colorectal cancer risk by 20% -- and drinking coffee daily can reduce risk by 10%.
Colonoscopy screening also helps prevent colorectal cancer by removing precancerous polyps before they can develop into cancer. The recommended age to start colorectal cancer screening was recently lowered to 45. The change was driven by an increase in colorectal cancers in people under age 50 since the 1990s – today, 12% of all colorectal cancers occur in people under 50.
Gastroenterologist Dr. Walter Coyle can share the latest insights into prevention and early detection, especially for people under 50. He can also shed light on these colorectal cancer topics:
- Risk factors for colorectal cancer (what you can change, and what you can’t)
- Different types of screening options available today
- Warning signs and symptoms people should be aware of
- Improved prognosis with early detection vs. later-stage diagnosis
- A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, suggesting that colonoscopy benefit is less than earlier thought – which may be creating a false perception among the public
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