CMO Message: Gut Health

Gut health and avoiding uncomfortable gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, gas, and cramping are top of mind for many people these days. However, one of the most important elements of good gut health is often overlooked: colorectal cancer screening.

If you think you are years away from needing a colonoscopy, you might actually be due for one now. In 2020, the world tragically lost actor Chadwick Boseman to colon cancer at the young age of 43. His illness shed light on the fact that colorectal cancer is not just a disease that affects older individuals. For a long time, the recommended age for colorectal cancer screening was 50. In 2021, the US Preventive Services Task Force changed their guidelines to recommend that screening start at age 45 to detect disease earlier, when it’s easier to treat. If you have a family history of colorectal cancer or other risk factors such as inflammatory bowel disease, your doctor may recommend starting screening even earlier or more frequently.

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the US but it’s also one of the most preventable cancers. Symptoms can include changes in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, and unexplained weight loss; but many people with colorectal cancer don't have any symptoms at all. That's why screening is so important. There are several screening options available today aside from colonoscopy, including stool-based tests, sigmoidoscopy, and virtual colonoscopy. Your doctor can help you determine which option is best for you based on your personal needs and preferences.

In addition to screening, there are also steps you can take to help reduce your risk of developing colorectal cancer. These include maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active, eating a healthy diet that's high in fiber and low in processed foods, not smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption. These principles will also improve your overall gut health!

It can often take years for new guidelines to be implemented in the healthcare system and you might not be notified that you are now eligible for colorectal cancer screening. If you are 45 years or older and have never been screened for colorectal cancer, call your provider today to discuss your screening options.