63°F
weather icon Partly Cloudy

Colon cancer screenings crucial for adults

Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer in men and women and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, seven in 10 adults in the U.S. aged 50-75 are up to date with colorectal cancer screening; however, in 2021, the CDC lowered the recommended age for colorectal cancer screening for adults to begin at age 45.

Approximately 20 percent of U.S. adults between the ages of 45 and 75 have never been screened for colorectal cancer, and more than 150,000 new cases occur each year.

The American Cancer Society reports, “People born in 1990 have double the risk of colon cancer and quadruple the risk of rectal cancer compared to people born around 1950.”

Colorectal cancer has been linked to inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis as well as cigarette smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, a lack of exercise, and a high-fat/low-fiber diet.

Colorectal cancer, or cancer that develops in the colon and/or rectum, is a disease in which abnormal cells in the colon or rectum divide uncontrollably, ultimately forming a malignant tumor. Lesions may appear as raised or slightly indented polyps and may be attached to a stalk (pedunculated polyps) or without a stalk (sessile polyps). These polyps are common in people older than 50 and most do not become cancer.

It’s important that adults 45 years and older speak with their health care provider about colon health and the screenings available, which may include a colonoscopy. Visit the American Cancer Society’s website cancer.org. for more information on colorectal cancer.

The Mayo Clinic defines a colonoscopy as an exam used to look for changes, such as swollen, irritated tissues, polyps or cancer, in the large intestine and rectum. During a colonoscopy, a long, flexible tube (colonoscope) is inserted into the rectum. A tiny video camera at the tip of the tube allows the doctor to view the inside of the entire colon.

If necessary, polyps or other types of abnormal tissue can be removed through the scope during a colonoscopy. Tissue samples (biopsies) can be taken during a colonoscopy as well.

According to the CDC, once you reach age 45, or earlier if you have a family history of colon health risk, your health care provider will determine which screening test is best for you. Many factors are considered before choosing a colorectal screening test, including age, medical and family history, and general health; test preparation; sedation; follow-up care; convenience; and cost and insurance coverage.

Among the screening tests for colorectal cancer are fecal occult blood test, sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, virtual colonoscopy and DNA stool test.

To help stay healthy at any age, discuss a colorectal cancer screening with your health care provider, and notify your health care provider of any changes in stools or bowel movements (rectal bleeding, black or dark stools, diarrhea, constipation) or if you have a family history of colon health risk.

Other actions include: If you smoke, quit; drink responsibly; exercise; lose weight; and consume adequate fiber.

Take care of your gut. Talk to your health care provider about colorectal cancer.

To Your Health is provided by the staff of Boulder City Hospital. For more information, call 702-293-4111, ext. 576, or visit bchcares.org.

MOST READ
THE LATEST
City gets finance award

Boulder City received the prestigious Enterprise Risk Management Excellence Program Award (ERMEP) during the Oct. 22 city council meeting.

Question: Golf courses$8.4 million in the hole?

Near the beginning of last week’s city council meeting, frequent-flyer public commentor Fred Voltz (whose views on the proposed addition of up to $9 million to the $25 million or so already earmarked to replace the city’s pool you can read on Page 4) made a pretty surprising allegation about the finances of the city’s two golf courses.

Ram Cam celebrates first year

It may sound a bit odd to pay tribute to the one-year anniversary of a camera. But when that camera has helped bring thousands to town, and with it as many smiles, it’s worth it.

BC feted for historic preservation projects

Two projects aimed at maintaining the historic character of Boulder City have resulted in the city being the recipient of an award named for the person who designed the city in the first place, Saco Reink DeBoer.

Boulder Dam Hotel one stop on Home Tour

For nearly a half century the Boulder City chapter of American Association of University Women (AAUW) has played host to a Home Tour, which raises money for scholarships for local college students.

Asst. chief discusses hurricane devastation

As the assistant fire chief for the Boulder City Fire department, Josh Barrone has seen his fair share of tragedies and destruction during his career.

City agrees to purchase vehicle barriers

It’s been talked about that thing called a “consent agenda” before. It’s the part of a city council meeting when multiple issues are addressed with a single up or down vote with no discussion of the individual items on the list.

Author’s journey from Boulder City to Ukraine

Twenty years ago, Bill McCormick made a decision and since then has never looked back as he’s turned what is a hobby for some into a full-time profession.