By Redaccion
Redaccion@latinocc.com
Colorectal cancer is the second deadliest cancer in the United States, yet it is also one of the most preventable and treatable when detected early.
With March marking Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics is encouraging the community to get screened, emphasizing the importance of early detection and regular checkups.
Early detection saves lives
Colorectal cancer begins in the colon or rectum and often develops without noticeable symptoms in its early stages. This makes regular screenings critical for early detection and successful treatment. According to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, more than 154,000 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2025. Despite being the fourth most common cancer, it remains the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths.
“The reason we stress the urgency of screenings is that early detection saves lives,” said Dr. Ali Javanbakht, chief medical officer at Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics. “The earlier colorectal cancer is discovered, the more treatable it becomes. Everyone 45 and older should have a colonoscopy at least once every 10 years or more frequently if recommended by their physician.”
Because colorectal cancer often develops without symptoms, people may not realize they have it until it has progressed. When symptoms do appear, they can include changes in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, persistent abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and anemia.
Recent research has led to a change in screening guidelines, lowering the recommended age for a first colonoscopy from 50 to 45. While the risk of colorectal cancer is highest between ages 65 and 74, about 10% of cases occur before age 50, according to the National Cancer Institute.
Screening methods and risk factors
The most effective screening method for colorectal cancer is a colonoscopy. This outpatient procedure uses a flexible tube with a camera to examine the colon and rectum. During the procedure, doctors can remove polyps and take biopsies if necessary. While the preparation for a colonoscopy requires dietary restrictions and bowel cleansing, its benefits far outweigh the inconvenience. When detected at stage 0 or stage 1, colorectal cancer has a five-year survival rate of 90% or higher. If the disease progresses to stage 2 or 3, survival rates drop to 74%. At stage 4, when cancer has spread to other parts of the body, the survival rate falls to just 16%.
For those at low risk, alternative screening options include sigmoidoscopy, virtual colonoscopy, and stool-based tests. However, only a physician can determine the most suitable screening method for each patient.
In addition to undergoing screenings, individuals are assessed for personal risk factors that may increase their likelihood of developing colorectal cancer. A history of Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, and a first-degree relative with colorectal cancer can raise the risk. Studies have also shown that Black Americans have higher rates of colorectal cancer and should be especially vigilant about screening.
Treatment for colorectal cancer depends on the stage at which it is diagnosed. In the earliest stages, removing polyps may be sufficient, while later stages may require surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.
Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics encourages anyone 45 and older who has not had a colonoscopy to schedule a consultation. The clinics accept new patients regardless of insurance status and are committed to providing accessible healthcare to the community.
