Maintaining a healthy gut is important for your overall health, but it can also be significant toward preventing colorectal cancer. This includes making sure you have your regular screenings done, including a colonoscopy.
“Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in both men and women, yet it’s a very preventable type of cancer,” said Dr. Jannel Lee-Allen, gastroenterologist at Digestive Health Institute, who performs procedures at McLaren Greater Lansing. “We recommend anyone with an average risk starting at the age of 45 to start their screenings.”
A colonoscopy is a minimally-invasive procedure that on average takes 15 to 30 minutes. During the procedure, a scope is used to identify and remove any polyps (precancerous cells) early, thereby preventing colorectal cancer before it develops.
“Ideally, if we don’t find any polyps during your procedure, you don’t need another screening for 10 years,” said Dr. Lee-Allen. “If we do find something, then you may need screenings more often.”
Those who are more at risk of developing colorectal cancer are recommended to start their screening earlier. These include patients with a family history of colorectal cancer or advanced colon polyps or personal history of certain medical conditions such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease or Cystic Fibrosis. Other risk factors include those who smoke cigarettes, are obese, and have a diet that is high fat or high in red or processed meats, and individuals with a vitamin D deficiency.
“Unfortunately, we’re seeing more and more people developing cancer at a younger age so it’s important to talk to your doctor about your risks or if you are experiencing any digestive symptoms,” said Dr. Lee-Allen. “If you are experiencing digestive symptoms such as blood in your stools, black, sticky stools, losing weight without trying, more than two weeks of persistent abdominal pain, rectal pain, constipation or diarrhea, please talk to your GI specialist.”
There are no lifestyle steps to guarantee prevention of colorectal cancer, but specialists like Dr. Lee-Allen encourage people to do the following:
- Eat more fiber-rich foods such as whole grains, fruit, vegetables, and beans.
- Go for leaner proteins such as fish and poultry over red meat and processed foods.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Stay active with a regular exercise routine.
- Avoid tobacco and excessive alcohol use
Want to learn more about improving your gut health? Dr. Lee-Allen will be providing a Healthwise lecture at McLaren Greater Lansing on March 13 at 6 p.m. This event is free for anyone to join, and light refreshments and snacks will be provided during the presentation. To learn more and to register for this event, click here.
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