Early screening can stop colorectal cancer
Colorectal cancer can grow quietly, without symptoms. Screening can help stop it early or even prevent it. At UI Health Care, you have options and support to help you take this important step with confidence.
The older you get, the higher your risk for colorectal cancer, which is why experts now recommend starting screening at 45.
“Increasing data is showing that we can catch cancers earlier by starting at age 45,” says Kristina Guyton, MD, a colorectal surgeon at UI Health Care who treats colon, rectal, and anal cancers, inflammatory bowel disease, and other complex colorectal conditions.
Research showed that waiting longer meant missing chances to find cancer early. So, the screening age was lowered from 50 to 45.
Even if you feel healthy, screening at the right time can give you peace of mind and protect your future health.
How screening can prevent colorectal cancer
A colonoscopy does more than detect cancer. In many cases, it can stop cancer before it even starts.
“We know that colorectal cancer develops from polyps that start very small in the lining of the colon and gradually grow over time, eventually developing into cancer,” the colorectal surgeon says.
This slow growth typically takes years, which means you have a chance to act early. A colonoscopy can remove these polyps before they develop into cancers.
She notes that cancers found through screening are typically smaller and diagnosed at earlier stages.
In fact, early screening has the potential to reduce overall cancer deaths by as much as 60%. When screening is delayed until symptoms appear, cancer is often more advanced and harder to treat.
“To start showing symptoms, the tumor either needs to be big enough for it to start bleeding or big enough for it to start causing obstruction or invading another structure,” says the colorectal surgeon, who is also one of the directors of UI Health Care’s colorectal cancer tumor board.
That’s why screening matters, even when you feel fine.
It’s normal to have concerns about screening
Many people feel unsure about colorectal cancer screening. You might worry about the prep, the procedure, or the risks.
“There are a lot of misconceptions, misgivings, and hesitations about the prep for a colonoscopy,” Kristina Guyton, MD, says. “It’s not necessarily a pleasant process but it’s important.”
At UI Health Care, your care team helps you understand what to expect and what options you have.
“We have different types of preps, and so the referring physician can discuss with you the different types of preps and determine which one is most appropriate,” she says, adding that serious complications from a colonoscopy are rare.
You may also have questions about sedation and what the experience will feel like, including concerns about “waking up” during the procedure.
“There are different types of sedation that you can get with a colonoscopy,” the colorectal surgeon. “Some people have no sedation and do very well with it.”
“Most people get what’s called conscious sedation, where you’re in a little bit of a ‘twilight’,” she explains. “You may be a little bit aware of what’s going on.”
That awareness is sometimes described as “waking up,” but it’s a normal part of the process, not a sign that something is wrong.
Clear communication helps patients feel more comfortable going into their procedure.
Deeper anesthesia may be necessary for some patients to be comfortable. Your referring physician can help you to determine the appropriate level based on your health and prior anesthesia experiences.
You have choices for colorectal cancer screening
Colonoscopy is a common screening option, but it isn’t the only one. What matters most is choosing a test that works for you.
Colonoscopies
“Colonoscopy is our go-to screening, and for many people, the preferred screening,” Kristina Guyton, MD, says.
Colonoscopies can remove polyps, prevent the development of cancer, and detect cancer.
Stool tests
Stool-based tests are another choice.
“Stool-based tests can be done,” the colorectal surgeon says. “Those can detect blood in the stool, if there’s a tumor or a polyp that’s bleeding.”
Some stool-based testing can detect small molecules from tumors.
What matters most is taking action.
“If you have strong preferences one way or the other, talk to your provider. Some testing is better than no testing,” she says.
Making screening easier to access in Iowa
UI Health Care is working to make colorectal cancer screening easier and more convenient across Iowa.
“In Iowa City, we do colonoscopies at three locations, the university campus, our Iowa River Landing location, and the downtown campus,” the colorectal surgeon says.
If you need specialized care, teams work quickly to help you get it. The goal is to treat problems early.
With our advanced endoscopists, “we try to take care of it through a colonoscopy as opposed to ending up in my office and talking about surgery,” she says.
Support starts before your appointment.
“When you’re doing colonoscopy screening, we have a nurse who checks in with you beforehand and makes sure that you’ve received their prep and don’t have questions about how to do it,” she says.
With UI Health Care, you’re not doing this alone.
Don’t wait to protect your health
It’s important to understand that colorectal cancer often grows without warning signs.
“Smaller polyps can grow into cancer without people noticing, which is why it’s so important to screen, even if you’re not having symptoms,” the colorectal surgeon says.
Her message is simple. Taking the first step now can make a big difference later.
“A small investment in prevention can lead to a huge benefit in avoiding a lot of medical care and challenges,” she says.
