Myths About Colorectal Cancer
There are many myths surrounding colon cancer, and the following information helps to set the record straight. If you are concerned about colon cancer, or if you have a strong family history of colorectal cancer, you should ask your doctor if you need to see a colorectal surgeon. March is colorectal cancer awareness month and is a great time to ask about this topic.
Myth: There is nothing I can do about getting colorectal cancer.
Reality:
You may decrease your risk of getting colon cancer by modifying your lifestyle. Following a low-fat diet that is high in vegetables and fruits, and exercise may reduce your risk of developing colon cancer. Since most colorectal cancer develops from pre-cancerous polyps – which are growths on the lining of the colon and rectum - screening methods can detect and remove polyps BEFORE they turn into cancer. These inlcude colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, stool testing kits, and virtual colonoscopy.
Myth: Colorectal cancer is fatal.
Reality:
Colorectal cancer may be curable when detected early. Over 90% of patients with localized colorectal cancer (confined to the colon or rectum) are alive five years after diagnosis. Unfortunately, only around a third of all colorectal cancers are diagnosed at this early stage. The majority of people come to the doctor when the disease has spread beyond the wall of the colon or rectum or to distant parts of the body, which decreasing the chance of being successfully cured of colon cancer.
Myth: Screening is only necessary for individuals who have symptoms.
Reality:
Since early colorectal cancer usually has no symptoms, it is important to obtain recommended screenings to detect these cancers. Screening is checking for cancer in a person with no symptoms. All men and women who are 45 or older should undergo routine screening for colorectal cancer. People with a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, or a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease, and people with concerning symptoms such as rectal bleeding are considered at high risk, and may need to be screened before age 45. In addition, women who have a personal or family history of ovarian, endometrial or breast cancer may need to be screened before age 45. You should talk to your colorectal surgeon or other healthcare professional about when you should begin screening.
Myth: Only people with a family history of colon cancer get it.
Reality:
About 75 percent of all new cases of colorectal cancer occur in individuals with no known risk factors for the disease. A family history may require you to start your screening earlier or do it more frequently.
Myth: Colorectal cancer strikes only older, white men.
Reality:
Colorectal cancer strikes both women and men. This year, it is estimated that more than 78,000 new cases of colorectal cancer will be diagnosed in men, and 69,000 new cases of colorectal cancer will be diagnosed in women. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., and of the approximately 53,000 people who will die from colorectal cancer this year, slightly more than half will be women. People of color are more likely to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in its advanced stages, suggesting that they may require colon cancer screening at a younger age.
Myth: Colorectal cancer screening is not covered under most health plans.
Reality:
The Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) expanded Medicare coverage in 1998 to include colorectal cancer screenings. Many commercial health plans also cover the cost of screening.
Myth: Colonoscopy is a difficult procedure to undergo.
Reality:
The colonoscopy procedure is not painful. Sedation is usually used during the procedure to minimize any discomfort. Discomfort is usually caused by the gas inserted into the colon to visualize the lining. The preparation itself (or “bowel prep”) the day before is the unpleasant part of the procedure, but is extremely important because an inadequate preparation can lead to missed findings such as polyps or a need to repeat the procedure. While you will spend extra time in the bathroom eliminating all the stool, this preparation is extremely important as it allows your doctor to see the lining of the intestine clearly.
Myth: Having a colon or rectal polyp means I have cancer and need surgery.
Reality:
A polyp may be a pre-cancerous lesion that, if left untreated, can progress to colon cancer. If these polyps are detected early and removed before they can progress, colon cancer can be prevented. Colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy have been shown to prevent deaths from colon cancer – a fact that has been well demonstrated over time. Most polyps are completely treated by removing them during the colonoscopy. Even large polyps can be removed without a surgery, although you may need a colorectal surgeon or specialist to perform these procedures.
It is true that if cancer is found within the polyp, you may need surgery to remove that part of the colon. Even if you need surgery, many procedures today can be performed using laparoscopic, robotic, or minimally invasive approaches, which minimize recovery time and pain, and provide other benefits as well. If you need an operation, you can ask your specialty-trained colorectal surgeon about which surgical approach is right for you.
WHAT IS A COLORECTAL SURGEON?
Colon and rectal surgeons are experts in the surgical and non-surgical treatment of diseases of the colon, rectum and anus. They have completed advanced surgical training in the treatment of these diseases as well as full general surgical training. Board-certified colon and rectal surgeons complete residencies in general surgery followed by an additional colon and rectal surgery residency and pass intensive examinations conducted by the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery. They are well-versed in the treatment of both benign and malignant diseases of the colon, rectum and anus and are able to perform routine screening examinations and surgically treat conditions if indicated to do so.
DISCLAIMER
The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons is dedicated to ensuring high-quality patient care by advancing the science, prevention and management of disorders and diseases of the colon, rectum and anus. These brochures are inclusive but not prescriptive. Their purpose is to provide information on diseases and processes, rather than dictate a specific form of treatment. They are intended for the use of all practitioners, health care workers and patients who desire information about the management of the conditions addressed. It should be recognized that these brochures should not be deemed inclusive of all proper methods of care or exclusive of methods of care reasonably directed to obtain the same results. The ultimate judgment regarding the propriety of any specific procedure must be made by the physician in light of all the circumstances presented by the individual patient.