Central Missouri News

Lake Regional Health System is urging individuals to prioritize colorectal cancer screening during Colorectal Cancer Month this March. The health system emphasizes that most people should begin screening at the age of 45.

“Screening helps us find colorectal cancer early, when it’s likely to be curable,” stated Dr. John Patton, a general surgeon at Lake Regional. He explained that screening can prevent cancer by detecting and removing precancerous polyps during a colonoscopy.

In May 2021, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force revised its guidelines, recommending that those at average risk start screenings at 45 instead of 50 due to increasing rates of colorectal cancer in younger adults. The American Cancer Society reports an annual increase of 1 to 2 percent in cases among individuals under 55 since the mid-1990s.

Dr. Patton advises individuals with personal or family histories of colorectal issues or other risk factors to consult their doctors about earlier screenings.

Awareness of symptoms is crucial alongside regular screenings. Signs include changes in bowel movements, rectal cramping or bleeding, dark blood patches in stool, abdominal discomfort, unexplained fatigue, appetite loss, weight loss, and pelvic pain. “No one is too young to pay attention to the signs,” Dr. Patton emphasized.

While there are various screening options available, Dr. Patton highlights three benefits of colonoscopy: it allows for a full examination of the colon; enables biopsy sampling or polyp removal if necessary; and typically requires repetition only once every ten years compared to more frequent tests required by other methods.

“Every colorectal cancer screening test has pros and cons,” he noted. “Your doctor can help you decide which test is right for your situation. Any test is better than no test.”

For more information on reducing colorectal cancer risk, visit lakeregional.com/7steps.