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Sometimes we get so sensitive about certain parts of our health that we can barely talk about our bodies without using coded language. We say “buns,” “caboose,” or “badonkadonk,” and even the dictionary has over 35 synonyms for the word “buttocks.”
Maybe you think talking about “down there” care is uncouth, embarrassing or scary—even after seeing celebrities undergo colonoscopies on live TV. However, what’s far more frightening than this routine, life-saving procedure is colon cancer. Colorectal cancer is the third-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in America, and the best way to combat it is through early detection.
Colon cancer isn’t always symptomatic. However, there can be signals that something may be wrong, including a change in bowel habits, blood in the stool, persistent cramps or gas, weight loss, weakness and fatigue. The American Cancer Society estimates there will be 106,970 new cases of colon cancer and 46,050 new cases of rectal cancer in 2023, leading to as many as 52,550 deaths.
Sure, it can be awkward to broach a derrière discussion. Many people avoid colonoscopies because they feel uncomfortable or embarrassed talking about their bowel habits or undergoing the procedure. However, the benefits of screening far outweigh the alternatives, and the process is relatively simple and minimally invasive. Plus, you can handle this once a decade, right?
A colonoscopy is usually done once every 10 years unless polyps are found, in which case a second colonoscopy may be needed within 3 to 5 years. When precancerous polyps, or abnormal growths in the colon or rectum, are found and removed, it can prevent cancer from developing. Your provider also can check for cancer and discuss risk factors with you.
There are other forms of screenings to detect potential problems, such as non-invasive stool tests you can take at home. Still, colonoscopies remain the “gold standard” of testing for a reason. Colonoscopies can detect 95% of large polyps, while screenings like fecal immunochemical or fecal blood tests only detect 24% to 42%.
So, when should you get started?
Age is one of the most important risk factors for colorectal cancer. That’s why adults 45 years or older should begin screenings.
However, it’s also important to note there’s been an uptick in cases and mortality among people 20 to 49 over the last 20 years—though researchers aren’t sure why. Rates of colorectal cancer incidence are also higher in certain populations, including Black and Indigenous adults, people with a family history of colorectal cancer and men.
And while you can’t re-write your family history, there are ways to lower your risk, including losing weight, maintaining a healthy diet, limiting alcohol, quitting smoking and regular exercise. In addition, don’t be afraid to talk about your body with your provider.
Remember, colorectal cancer can progress silently without any noticeable symptoms until it’s in an advanced stage. Men are typically diagnosed around 68, while women tend to be 72. However, the chances of successful treatment are much higher if caught early through regular screenings. The survival rate for early-stage colorectal cancer patients is as high as 90%.
So don’t be a prude about your bottom’s health. Get proactive, no matter what term you use to describe your body. Your doctor can discuss the best testing method for you based on your risk factors. That discussion, and a screening, could save your life.
Schedule a Screening
If you are ready for your first colonoscopy or due for a follow-up, talk to your primary care provider. If you don’t have a primary care provider, find one on our medical group website.
