Colorectal cancer refers to cancer of the colon (large intestine) or rectum. It is one of the most commonly occurring cancers worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, colorectal cancer accounts for approximately 10% of all new cancer cases.

Why should you get screened?

The main goal of screening for colorectal cancer is to prevent death. Routine screenings can identify cancer early and allow for possible cure. It can also identify precancerous growths (polyps) that can be removed at the time of screening before they become malignant.

Am I at risk for colorectal cancer?

The risk of developing colorectal cancer increases with age. The following risk factors also increase your risk of developing colorectal cancer.

• First degree relative (a parent, brother or sister, or child) with a history of colorectal cancer
• Inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn or ulcerative colitis
• A diet high in fat and red or processed meat and low fiber
• A sedentary lifestyle
• Cigarette Smoking
• Alcohol use
• Obesity
• Family history of Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)
• Family history of Lynch syndrome (also known as hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer [HNPCC])

How can I lower my risk for colorectal cancer?

• Improving your diet
• Increasing physical activity
• Decreasing alcohol consumption
• Smoking cessation

When should I get screened?

People with an average risk for developing colorectal cancer should begin screenings at the age of 45 and continue until the age of 75. If you are at an increased risk of colorectal cancer, screening may begin at a younger age. You should speak with your medical provider to determine when it is best to start screenings for you.

What are my screening options?

Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy is the most sensitive of all the cancer screenings. The procedure is done under sedation. A thin flexible tube is inserted though the rectum and used to visualize the lining of the rectum and entire colon. This method allows for biopsies to be taken and polyps to be removed. Removal of polyps significantly reduces the risk of developing colorectal cancer by up to 90%. If results of the colonoscopy are normal it is recommended to repeat every 10 years.

Stool Tests

Colorectal cancers can be detected with the collection of a stool sample. Colorectal cancers release microscopic amounts of blood and DNA into the stool. There are two types of stool studies including guaiac testing or fecal occult blood testing (gFOBT) and fecal immunochemical testing (FIT).

Guaiac testing is done by collecting two samples of stool from three consecutive bowel movements which you would then apply to a collection card at home. This test looks for microscopic blood in the stool but is the least likely to detect polyps. It also has a high rate of false positives. If the test is positive, a colonoscopy would be recommended. If the study is normal, then it is recommended to repeat annually.

FIT-DNA testing is done by collecting a whole bowel movement and placing it in a kit which is mailed back to the lab. This type of testing is better at detecting cancer than the guaiac study because it looks for specific DNA markers as well as blood that may signify the presence of cancer. If results are abnormal, then a colonoscopy would be recommended. If the results are normal it is recommended to repeat every 1-3 years.

What is offered at St. Louis Bariatrics?

Here at St. Louis Bariatrics, we offer routine screenings for colorectal cancer by performing colonoscopies. Dr. Snow is able to do outpatient colonoscopies for established patients.

Contact our office today to schedule an appointment to discuss if a colonoscopy is right for you.

Email: info@stlouisbariatrics.com
Phone: 314.366.4874