Mercy Health stresses awareness for colorectal cancer

        March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and research shows that it remains the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in both men and women.
        Prevention is key so it’s an ideal reminder to schedule your screening for colorectal cancer if you’re age 45 and older. Many misconceptions still exist – such as what a colonoscopy entails, including the prep and pain involved – preventing some individuals from undergoing this important screening and getting the treatment they need.
        Mercy Health gastroenterologist Dr. Muhammad Aziz addresses five common misconceptions:
        • “A colorectal cancer screening isn’t necessary if I don’t have a family history.”
        You should be screened, even with no family history. Diet, exercise level, smoking and alcohol intake all factor into your risk. Other risk factors include family history of colon and other cancers, a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease or personal history of cancer or polyps. Screening for colorectal cancer has come a long way and can even be done at home. However, colonoscopy remains the preferred test. If caught early, colon cancer can be prevented by removing precancerous polyps.
        • “I couldn’t possibly have cancer or a precancerous polyp without any symptoms.”
        Many patients with colon polyps or even cancer may not have symptoms at all, which is why screening before developing symptoms is important. However, if you do have blood in or around stools, pain with bowel movements, abdominal pain or weight loss, you should be evaluated right away by your primary care provider to see what additional testing is needed.
        • “The prep for a colonoscopy is miserable and not worth it.”
        Prepping has improved a lot in recent years and there are multiple options to cleanse the colon, including various liquid and pill formulations. Colon cancer, if caught early, is very curable – so the prep for the screening is absolutely worth it.
        • “A colonoscopy is painful and requires extensive time off work.”
        Patients are given medicine to help them sleep through the procedure. Also, most patients have no memory of the actual procedure and wake up with little to no pain or discomfort. Most patients take the day of the procedure off from work but can go back to normal activities the following day.
        • “I only need a colonoscopy every 10 years.”
        Everyone’s risk for colorectal cancer is unique. Individuals with a strong family history of colorectal cancer or a personal history of diseases of the colon and rectum may benefit from more frequent and earlier screenings. It is important to talk to your doctor about your risk factors and design a colorectal screening plan that is the right fit for your needs.
        To learn more, visit mercy.com to find an expert, compassionate caregiver near you today.