Colorectal cancer is among the prevalent causes of death in older adults. In most cases, tiny growths in the colon or rectum, known as polyps, develop into cancer over time. That is why doctors recommend colorectal cancer screening for adults over 50 since they are the most susceptible to the cancer. This guide explores more about colorectal cancer screening.

What is colorectal cancer?

Colorectal cancer occurs when cells in the colon or rectum grow out of control. Your digestive system is known as the bowel and is categorized into two parts, namely: small and large bowel. Digested food passes through the small bowel, whereby the body takes essential nutrients, and then the food enters the large bowel for absorption of the remaining nutrients.

The large bowel has the colon and rectum. In most cases, abnormal growths known as polyps grow in the colon and rectum and develop into cancer. However, they are not always cancerous. Hong Kong colorectal cancer screening can detect these polyps so that they are removed before developing into cancer. Screening also detects colorectal cancer in its early stage when it is treatable.

Symptoms of colorectal cancer

Unluckily, colorectal polyps or early-stage colorectal cancer don’t always present symptoms. Consequently, you may have colorectal polyps and not know it until you get screened. That is why getting screened for colorectal cancer is vital for early detection.

But in some people, precancerous colorectal symptoms may present symptoms including:

• Abdominal cramps and aches that don’t go away even after medication.
• Changes in bowel habits.
• Blood in stool.
• Constipation and diarrhea.
• A feeling that your bowel doesn’t empty enough.
• Unexplained weight loss.

If you experience such symptoms, you should talk to your Healthcare provider as they may result from another illness other than colorectal cancer.

Risk factors for colorectal cancer

So what are the risks for colorectal cancer? First, your risk for colorectal cancer increases as you grow older. It is common among older adults aged 50 and above. However, that doesn’t mean it cannot be diagnosed at a younger age. Some health disorders may increase your susceptibility to colorectal cancer. They include:

• Inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.
• Genetic syndromes, e.g., familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), external icon, and lynch syndrome.
• A personal or family history of colorectal cancer.

Other lifestylerisk factors for colorectal cancer include:

• High fat and low fiber diet, for instance, eating processed meats more.
• Obesity
• Alcohol consumption.
• A diet low in vegetables and fruits.
• Lack of regular physical activities.
• Prolonged tobacco use.

How to reduce your susceptibility to colorectal cancer

Regular physical exercise and maintaining a healthy weight may reduce your risks of colorectal cancer. Routine screening is recommended if you have a condition or a family history of colorectal cancer. You should also consult your doctor on the steps to take to lower your risks.

Generally, the most effective way of reducing your colorectal cancer risks is through routine colorectal cancer screening from the age of 45. According to research, many cases of colorectal cancer begin as precancerous polyps in the colon or rectum, and these polyps may stay in the colon for 10-15years before invasive cancer develops.

Unfortunately, colorectal polyps may not cause any symptoms making it hard to know when you have them. Hong Kong colorectal cancer screening can find precancerous polyps for removal before they develop into cancer, and it may also detect colorectal cancer early when treatment works best.

A diet high in whole grains, vegetables, and fruits and low in animal fats can reduce the risks of colorectal cancer and other diseases like coronary artery disease. It is also best to limit alcohol consumption and tobacco use.

Colorectal cancer screening

A screening test aims to detect a disease when someone doesn’t have the symptoms, and a diagnostic test is used to determine the condition when the signs are there. As earlier mentioned, colorectal cancer mostly develops from precancerous polyps in the colon or rectum.

A colorectal screening test helps to detect these polyps for removal before they develop into cancer. Routine screening starting from the age of 45 is key to finding colorectal cancer early and treating it better. Colorectal cancer screening strategies include colonoscopy, stool tests, flexible sigmoidoscopy, and CT colonography.

Stool tests

There are three types of stool tests for colorectal cancer. Guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (gFOBT)uses the chemical guaiac, while fecal immunochemical test (FIT) uses antibodies to detect blood in the stool. The FIT-DNA test combines the latter with a test that detects altered DNA in the stool. Stool tests are done once a year.

Flexible sigmoidoscopy

During this test, a doctor inserts a short, thin, lighted tube into your rectum and checks for polyps. It is recommended every five or ten years with a stool test every year.

Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy is the same as flexible sigmoidoscopy, but the doctor uses a longer lighted tube to check for polyps inside the colon or rectum. In most cases, colonoscopy is also used as a follow-up test if the doctor detects anything unusual during other screening tests. It is recommended every five years if you don’t have a high risk for colorectal cancer.

CT colonography

CT colonography uses advanced devices like X-rays to get an image of the whole colon displayed on a computer for the doctor to examine. It is recommended every five years.

Which screening test is right for you?

Each colorectal cancer screening test has pros and cons, and you should consult your doctor about the most suitable for you. the ideal screening test for you depends on different factors, including:

• Your family history.
• Personal preference.
• Resources available for testing and follow-up.
• Overall health condition.

conclusion

There is nothing to worry about in a colorectal cancer screening. If anything, it is a good decision for your health since it helps detect precancerous polyps before they develop into colorectal cancer. If diagnosed with colorectal cancer, programs like the Hong Kong cancer fund are there for more support.