Health Department conducting survey about barriers in colon cancer screenings, treatment
Guidelines today recommend people should begin having colonoscopies at age 45 to screen for colon cancer. While there are stool-based test, like Cologuard, to look for colon cancer, and are often used as a first step in screening, colonoscopies are the gold standard in screening.
During the procedure, polyps that become cancer are visualized and removed. As with most cancers, early detection and treatment allow for the best possible outcomes. Stool-based tests can be a good place to start.
The American Cancer Society recommends people with average risk of colorectal cancer beginning regular screenings at age 45 continuing through age 75 as long as you remain in good health. It is recommended people with family history of polyps or colorectal cancer begin screenings at age 40.
Depending on the type of screening, the results of the screenings and the plan of care developed by a provider, screenings can happen every three, five or 10 years. People over 75 can decide with the direction of a provider whether continued screening are necessary.
Assessment survey showed above average incidences of colorectal in Ashland County
The 2022 Ashland County Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) conducted in a combined effort with the Ashland County Health Department, University Hospitals Samaritan Medical Center, many other community partners and residents, identified colorectal cancer as a top concern in the county.
The data collected demonstrated an above average incidence of colorectal in Ashland County at 50.6% compared to the US average of 38%. While there is an increase in the incidence of cancer, the rate of screening for colorectal cancer is below average in Ashland County at 63.6% completing screenings as recommended while nationally the average is 66.4%.
To address the results of the CHNA both the Ashland County Health Department and UH Samaritan are spreading the word about the importance of regular screenings, the risk factors and symptoms of colon cancer, as well as understanding how to prevent colon cancer. There are risk factors that can be changed and those that cannot.
Here are general risk factors for colon cancer
Age
Race
Family history of colon cancer
Poor diet high in fat from animal sources and low in fruits and veggies
Obesity
Sedentary lifestyle
Risk factors you cannot change:
Age
Race
Family or personal history of colon cancer
Risk Factors you can change:
Physical activity
What you eat
Obesity
Getting screened
Heed the symptoms
It is important to understand the signs and symptoms of colon cancer so they can be addressed in a timely manner. Although you can have colon cancer without symptoms, and many of the symptoms can be caused by other diseases or conditions, signs or symptoms of colon cancer can include:
Change in bowel habits
Blood in stool
Feeling like your bowels aren’t emptying completely
Black stool
Unexplained weight loss
Nausea or vomiting
Feeling tired all the time
There are many reasons people shy away from screenings − fear of the results, hesitation about preparation for a colonoscopy and cost are a few. The fears can be eased by understanding why screenings are important and starting a conversation with a healthcare provider.
In an attempt to address many of these concerns for the communities of Ashland County, the Ashland County Health Department is conducting a survey to help understand the barriers in colon cancer screenings and treatment.
Christina Vanderpool, RN, BSN, Community Outreach Nurse, University Hospitals Samaritan Medical Center
This article originally appeared on Ashland Times Gazette: Organized effort in Ashland County about colorectal cancer screenings
