SEATTLE — March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and a surgeon and gastrointestinal (GI) nurse practitioner from Virginia Mason Franciscan Health are breaking down myths about the disease.
Myth 1: “I am healthy and have no symptoms, so colon cancer is not something I need to be concerned with.”
“The issue is colorectal cancer is typically asymptomatic as it’s developing, especially even polyps,” said Jennifer Fijor, GI nurse practitioner. “Oftentimes, you won’t experience symptoms until it’s kind of further on down the line.”
Early detection is key, and providers want to catch colon cancer before it becomes a major issue. Because many people may not present with symptoms early on, screenings are recommended, especially for those over the age of 45, or sooner for those with a family history.
Myth 2: “Colorectal cancer is fatal.”
Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. By 2030, it’s expected to be the leading cause in men and women under 50. Many cases are preventable, though.
“This year, there’s going to be 53,000 people who will die of colon cancer in U.S.,” said Dr. Val Simianu, colon and rectal surgeon. “The flip side of that is probably two-thirds of those cancers would have been preventable if detected and treated early.”
Myth 3: “There is nothing I can do to prevent colon cancer.”
While there are non-modifiable risk factors, like family history, there are also behaviors that can increase your risk of colon cancer. These include heavy alcohol intake, tobacco use, lack of fiber in your diet and lack of exercise.
“Trying to really be on top of those things can actually help reduce your risk of colorectal cancer,” Fijor said.
Myth 4: “Only older people get colon cancer.”
There has been a dramatic rise in colorectal cancer in those under 50. Because of this, it’s important to be proactive about your health and know red-flag symptoms of colon cancer, including rectal bleeding, unintentional weight loss and changing bowel habits.
Myth 5: “Having a polyp means I have cancer and need surgery.”
Not all polyps are going to become cancer. They also can take five to eight years to grow, so there’s time to get ahead of them.
“One important message is that if the cancer is detected early in a polyp, sometimes that polyp is taken out and cancer is prevented altogether,” Dr. Simianu said.
Myth 6: “If nobody in my family had had colon cancer, then I’m in the clear.”
Of all colon cancer cases, only about 5 to 10% are hereditary. It’s important to know your individual risk for colon cancer, and your provider can help you determine when screening is best for you.
Find more information and take a colorectal cancer risk assessment on the Virginia Mason Franciscan Health website.
Sponsored by Virginia Mason Franciscan Health.
Segment Producer Joseph Suttner. Watch New Day Northwest 11 a.m. weekdays on KING 5 and streaming live on KING5.com. Contact New Day.