Mercy Health busts 5 colorectal cancer myths

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. According to the American Cancer Society, it’s the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in both men and women.

Prevention is key, according to a news release from Mercy Health — Lorain.

That makes March the ideal time to schedule colorectal cancer screening if you’re age 45 and older, according to the release.

Unfortunately, many misconceptions keep individuals from undergoing this important screening, and in some cases, getting the treatment they need, the release said.

That’s why Mercy Health — Lorain gastroenterologist Dr. Hicham Khallafi is setting the record straight on the top five most common colorectal cancer myths:

• “A colorectal cancer screening isn’t necessary if I don’t have a family history.”

Everyone aged 45 years or older should be screened for colorectal cancer, even if they have no family history.

Diet, exercise level, smoking and alcohol intake all factor into an individual’s risk.

Other risk factors include a family history of colon and other cancers, a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease or a 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 and the only test that both detects and prevents colon cancer.

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 for a colonoscopy 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. Most patients have no memory of the actual procedure and wake up with little to no pain or discomfort. Many people 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 personal risk factors and design a colorectal screening plan that is right for you.

To learn more, call the Mercy Health — Lorain Cancer Center at 440-324-0400 or visit mercy.com to find an expert, compassionate caregiver near you today.

SUBMITTED Dr. Hicham Khallaf