March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

Colorectal cancer continues to be a leading cause of cancer death worldwide. In an effort to combat this several countries have designated March as Colon Cancer Awareness Month.

Barbados is no exception.  The incidence of colorectal cancer in Barbados is alarmingly high.

Fortunately, unlike most other cancers, colorectal cancer is largely preventable. Unfortunately, however, in the early stages when it is most treatable there are often no symptoms whatsoever. Screening is therefore based on one’s age and not symptoms. If one develops symptoms that could be attributable to colorectal cancer, for example, abdominal pain, any change in bowel habit, unexplained weight loss, rectal bleeding to name a few, then the need for an evaluation of the colon becomes urgent regardless of one’s age.

COLONOSCOPY is the gold standard for colon cancer screening.  It is an endoscopic evaluation of the colon best performed by a Gastroenterologist.  Colonoscopy is the only screening modality that can actually prevent the development of colorectal cancer by evaluating the entire colon and removing the precancerous growths called polyps.  This makes colonoscopy not only a colon cancer screening tool but also a colon cancer prevention tool. Lives can also be saved by finding cancers in the early stages, long before symptoms start.

FIT TESTING is also an option for yearly colon cancer screening in patients of average risk.  FIT, which stands for Faecal Immunochemical Test, utilizes an antibody that is specific for human haemoglobin to detect occult (hidden) blood in the stool.  Occult blood in the stool can be an early sign of colorectal cancer.  As stated above, FIT TESTING is for persons of average risk.  It is not suitable for persons with a family history of colon cancer or persons with symptoms that may be attributable to colon cancer.  Additionally, it is important to ensure that the FIT test used is validated, for example, FDA approved.

In 2018, the American Cancer Society lowered the recommended age at which average-risk adults should begin colon cancer screening from 50 to 45.  This move reflects the dramatic rise in the incidence of colon cancer in persons younger than 50.  A colonoscopy may be recommended in persons even younger than age 45 once there is a family history of colon cancer or in other cases of increased risk. (PSA)

REMEMBER, THE BEST TEST IS THE ONE THAT GETS DONE! 

Talk to your doctor today about Colon Cancer Screening.

DIGESTIVE HEALTHCARE, INC.

Warrens Healthcare Complex

Lot 4 Warrens, St. Michael, Barbados

Telephone: (246) 417-3000