Idaho Screening Rates Need to Improve

March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month, but that doesn't mean occurrences of colon cancer disappear the rest of the year. In fact, at Saint Alphonsus, the digestive system (which includes the colon) is the second leading place where we find cancerous tumors in our patients, falling right below breast cancer. What's more concerning is that colon cancer is highly preventable, yet only around 60% of Idaho residents within the age range of highest cancer risk get screened each year. Colon cancer is also the third most common cause of cancer-related death in the US and continues to take the lives of loved ones and friends.

Knowledge and action on the benefits of colon cancer screening can be our best defense in reducing cancer rates in Idaho and across the country; helping to save lives from advanced-stage colon cancer in the future. Here are the common questions I hear in my office:

• When should I be tested for colon cancer, and how often?

  Men and women put off colon cancer screening because they don't think they are within the age range, or that they are healthy enough already. Here's the truth: testing for colon cancer should begin no later than age 50 years old, no matter who you are or how healthy you live. Some forms of colon cancer are based primarily upon heredity, which means that you could be at an increased risk regardless of a healthy lifestyle. Others under the age of 50 may benefit from screenings as well if they are experiencing certain symptoms such as lower stomach cramping or prolonged diarrhea, or even a family history of colon cancers.

• How preventable is it, and what kind of screenings are available?

  The good part: if caught early and treated, the survival rate for those with colon cancer is up to 90%. The bad part: only 39% of colon cancers are caught in early stages, which is a direct result of the low number of people currently being screened each year. There are many different ways to be screened for colon cancer, ranging from colonoscopies to DNA tests and CT scans – and although the thought of having a colon cancer screening may seem daunting, it could save your life or the life of a family member or friend. Most of my patients report the procedure is much easier than they expected and they feel it was well worth the peace of mind.

• What are other ways to prevent colon cancer?

  While some colon cancers are hereditary, others are the result of poor diet, obesity, low physical activity, and lifestyle factors such as smoking. Limiting processed foods and alcohol, exercising, and quitting smoking will help tremendously in preventing the growth of new cancers, and staving off other health issues such as diabetes and heart disease.

• What now?

  If you're over the age of 50 and haven't had a colon cancer screening yet, please consider having one. While most patients aren't looking forward to the procedure, all feel happy to have avoided the risks of an advanced-stage cancer diagnosis.

Written by: Dr. Alan Langerak, former Medical Oncologist at Saint Alphonsus