Colorectal Cancer in Idaho is a Concern, Could You be Next? Here’s What You Need to Know
March 10, 2024
Categories: Oncology
Between 2015 and 2019, 3,194 cases of malignant colorectal cancer were diagnosed among Idahoans.
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, a great reminder to recognize the impact of this disease. In Idaho, colorectal cancer remains a major health concern, with local statistics helping us understand the impact it as within our state.
Between 2015 and 2019, 3,194 cases of colorectal cancer were diagnosed in Idaho. Tragically, 1,246 lost their lives to colorectal cancer during the same period. In 2021, there were 11,022 new cancers diagnosed in Idaho, and 841 were colorectal. These numbers underscore the urgent need for increased awareness and proactive measures in our state.
While colorectal cancer screenings such as a colonoscopy are recommended for people between the ages of 45-75, data from Idaho indicates that one in three people are not up to date on their screenings. Idaho ranks 48th among U.S. states for the percentage of adults aged 50-75 who are up to date on colorectal cancer screening, indicating the need for improved screening and access to healthcare.
On the bright side, there has been a 1.3% decrease in colorectal cancer rates per year since 2000, indicating progress in prevention and early detection. However, what remains challenging is the difference in survival rates among different demographic groups. For instance, in Idaho, males die from colorectal cancer at 1.4 times the rate of females.
Risk factors to consider:
Age: Rates increase with age, especially at 50 years of age or older.
Sex: After age 49, males have increasingly higher rates of colorectal cancer than females.
Race/Ethnicity: Colorectal cancer is more common in African Americans than in White Americans, particularly after age 50. American Indians/Alaska Natives share similar colorectal cancer rates with White Americans and Asians/Pacific Islanders through age 69, at which point American Indians/Alaska Natives have higher rates, similar to African Americans. Asians/Pacific Islanders have the lowest occurrence of colorectal cancer. Non-Hispanic White Americans have similar rates to Hispanics until age 70, at which point rates increase for non-Hispanic White Americans in relation to Hispanics.
Genetics: 5 to 10 percent of colon cancer is hereditary. The major hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes are Lynch syndrome and Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP).
Diet: Drinking large amounts of alcohol and eating processed meat both increase the risk of colorectal cancer.
Other: Cigarette smoking significantly increases the risk of colorectal cancer and dying from the disease. A non-active lifestyle and obesity (body mass index > 29) also increase the risk of colorectal cancer. The use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, including aspirin, may help prevent colon cancer.
It is important to live a healthy lifestyle and discuss screening options such as a colonoscopy with your doctor. Early detection saves lives and screening for colorectal cancer can help catch the cancer early when it is the most treatable.
As a colorectal surgeon, I urge all Idahoans to be proactive. By raising awareness of this cancer and the importance of getting screened, we can work together to beat colorectal cancer in our community. Let’s stand together in the fight against colorectal cancer and strive for a healthier, cancer-free Idaho..
Dr. Sheev Dattani, MD, is a Colon & Rectal surgeon who is robotically trained and board certified by the American Board of Surgery and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.