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By Ajay Singh, MBBS, Gastroenterology, Norwalk Hospital, part of Northwell Health. Sponsored by Northwell Health. 

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and screening for colorectal cancer is one of the best ways Westporters can protect their long-term health. Most colorectal cancers start as small, non-cancerous polyps, which can be removed before they turn into cancer. Screening can help you catch problems early or even prevent colorectal cancer all together.

Book now with a Nuvance Health Gastroenterologist  

When should I get a screening colonoscopy?

The U.S. Prevention Services Task Force and many other organizations recommend starting screening at age 45 for those at average risk of colorectal cancer. If you have a family history of colorectal cancer or other risk factors, talk to your doctor about starting screening earlier. For example, if you have a first degree relative (parent, sibling) who had a polyp removed or colorectal cancer diagnosis, you should start screenings when you are 10 years younger than they were at the time. Please also see your doctor if you are experiencing any potential signs of colorectal cancer, such as persistent changes in bowel habits, rectal bleeding or unexplained weight loss.

What colorectal cancer screening means for Westporters? 

Colonoscopy is the best test to evaluate the health of your colon. It allows your doctor to find and remove polyps during the same procedure, making it a reliable choice for both screening and prevention. 

While we recommend colonoscopy as the gold standard of colorectal cancer screening, Westporters have other options. At-home stool-based tests are available, which allow you to take the tests in the privacy of your own home. CT colonography (a special CT scan) is another noninvasive way to screen for colon cancer. If these noninvasive tests reveal something concerning, a colonoscopy is usually recommended for further evaluation. Flexible sigmoidoscopy is another approved invasive method which involves looking only at the last part of the colon; this does not require a full prep like a colonoscopy, but since the whole colon is not evaluated, lesions can be missed. Talk to your doctor to see which test would be best for you. It is important to note that while any test is better than no test, colonoscopy is the only screening that can prevent colorectal cancer from developing.

Related content from Nuvance Health: What is your poop trying to tell you?

How to prepare for your colonoscopy exam

Good colon preparation is vital for a complete and adequate examination of the colon. Changing your eating habits a few days prior to the procedure, for example having a low fiber diet and having a liquid diet a day before, can help ensure a good visualization during your colonoscopy. 

While drinking the laxative preparation does feel overwhelming, the availability of low-volume bowel prep solutions has made it more manageable for most people. While this may work for most patients, it’s best if colonoscopy preparation is personalized based upon your health and bowel habits. Speak to your physician to see which kind of preparation would be best for you. 

Drinking plenty of fluids is critical throughout the process, as it supports both effective cleansing and your overall well-being. Moreover, preparing your environment ahead of time by keeping entertainment within reach, and planning your schedule to minimize stress can contribute to a smoother experience. 

Remember, good preparation leads to a better and safer examination, allowing your doctor to see your colon thoroughly and protect your health for years to come.

Related content from Nuvance Health: Early colorectal cancer signs and ways to be proactive

How to interpret your colonoscopy results

Understanding your results is straightforward and helps you plan confidently for the future. If your colonoscopy is normal and you are not at increased risk of developing colon cancer, you typically will not need another screening for 10 years. However, if your doctor finds and removes polyps, especially those that could develop into cancer, you may need to return for follow-up screenings sooner, depending on the size, type and number of polyps detected. These personalized screening intervals are designed to protect your health and catch any changes early. Furthermore, the removal of polyps during a colonoscopy is an important preventive step, as it lowers your risk for colorectal cancer significantly and can spare you more invasive treatments down the road. Thus, understanding what your results mean not only takes the worry out of the process but also empowers you to be proactive about your long-term well-being and keep your health goals in focus.

Related content from Nuvance Health: When should you get a colonoscopy and how often?

Common risk factors of colorectal cancer

Understanding your risk factors is the first step in taking charge of your health and making positive changes. Here are some of the most common risk factors to watch for:

  • Family history: If close relatives have had similar health concerns, your chances of developing them increase. But remember, family history is just a starting point—you can still take steps to lower your risk.
  • Age: As you get older, your risk for many conditions naturally rises. Staying active and making healthy choices can help counter this.
  • Being overweight: Extra weight puts extra stress on your body and can lead to a higher risk of chronic conditions. Balanced eating and regular movement can make a real difference.
  • High blood pressure: This often develops without obvious symptoms but can raise your risk for heart-related problems.
  • Smoking: Smoking damages your body in countless ways—it’s never too late to quit and start seeing benefits.
  • Lack of physical activity: Sitting too much and moving too little can set the stage for health issues down the road. Even simple activities like daily walks add up.
  • Poor nutrition: Diets high in processed foods, unhealthy fats, and added sugars increase risk for many conditions. Mixing in more fruits, veggies, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats helps keep your body strong.
  • High cholesterol: Elevated cholesterol levels can go unnoticed but may lead to build-up in your arteries over time.
  • Stress: Ongoing stress takes a toll on both mind and body. Finding ways to relax is important for your overall wellbeing.
  • Excessive alcohol use: Drinking beyond moderate amounts can increase health risks. Consider setting limits and exploring fun alcohol-free options.

Reducing risks for colorectal cancer 

A healthy lifestyle plays an important role in reducing your risk of colorectal cancer and supporting your overall well-being. Studies have suggested that exercise and maintaining a healthy weight may decrease your risk for developing colon cancer. Limiting red and processed meats and eating more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains may also help lower your risk as well. A healthy diet not only promotes gut health but also improves overall health.

Related content from Nuvance Health: Colonoscopy With Biopsy— What it Means and What to Expect

Making the choice to quit smoking will benefit both your colon and your cardiovascular system, while limiting your alcohol consumption may further minimize risk for developing colon cancer.  

All of these changes have a collective impact when it comes to your health. By prioritizing fiber-rich foods, staying active, managing your weight, quitting tobacco and moderating alcohol, you empower yourself not only to reduce your risk of colorectal cancer but also to enjoy more energy and vitality in your daily life.

Want to know more about the risks of colorectal cancer? Take the next step and book an appointment with a Northwell Health gastroenterologist.

Ajay Singh, MBBS, Gastroenterology, Norwalk Hospital
Ajay Singh, MBBS, Gastroenterology, Norwalk Hospital

Dr. Singh is board certified in gastroenterology. He treats patients with a wide variety of gastroenterological conditions, including acid reflux, constipation, stomach ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, fatty liver disease and cirrhosis. He performs colonoscopies and upper endoscopies. After finishing medical school in India, he completed his residency in Internal Medicine at NYU School of Medicine (Brooklyn Campus), following which he completed a fellowship in Gastroenterology at New York Medical College (Metropolitan program).

Nuvance Health, now part of Northwell Health, has sponsored this content for Westport Journal. Nuvance Health is a system of nonprofit hospitals, medical practices and outpatient healthcare services throughout the Hudson Valley and western Connecticut, including nearby Norwalk Hospital. Visit nuvancehealth.org for more information.

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