Colon Cancer Awareness

Gut Check—Gut Health Matters

Talking about digestive health may not be top-of-mind conversation with family and friends. But during Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, now really is the best time. As Rebecca Byam, PA-C, with Garnet Health Doctors Gastroenterology practice says, “Everybody has to go to the bathroom, whether we like to talk about it or not!”

Colorectal cancer is the third-leading cause of cancer death in both the United States and New York, according to the American Cancer Society. But it is also one of the most preventable types of cancer, and most treatable when caught early.

When “Normal” Isn’t Normal

One of the biggest challenges for providers is that people assume their symptoms aren’t serious.

“I know it’s just a hemorrhoid.”
“It’s just reflux.”
“It’s probably nothing.”

Byam stresses that some things are never normal, even if they feel common.

Red flags include:    

• Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool
• A sudden change in bowel habits
• Pencil-thin stools
• Ongoing constipation or diarrhea that’s new for you
• Unplanned weight loss
• Iron-deficiency anemia, especially in men

“Bleeding is never normal,” she says. There may be other, less serious causes, but colon cancer must be considered and ruled out. That’s where Garnet Health’s Gastroenterology team can come in.

Colonoscopy: Prevention, Not Just Detection

There are several screening options available today. But a colonoscopy remains the only screening test that can actually prevent cancer, because polyps—which can take about 10 years to become cancer—can be removed during the same procedure.
Other stool-based tests can flag concerns, but they cannot remove polyps. Many patients who have a positive stool test will still need a colonoscopy afterward.

If you are 45 or older and at average risk, you should be screened for colon cancer. But if you have a family history of colon cancer, screening may begin even earlier, typically 10 years before the youngest affected relative was diagnosed. And if you’re younger but experiencing symptoms like bleeding, don’t wait. If something serious is found early, outcomes are dramatically better.

“We recently diagnosed someone in their 30s,” Byam notes. “Age doesn’t make you immune.”

The Biggest Barrier? Embarrassment.

Many people, especially younger men, avoid scheduling a colonoscopy because of fear or stigma. And while it’s true that the prep for a colonoscopy may not be pleasant, one day of discomfort is certainly worth the peace of mind you will have long after the procedure is over. In addition, the colonoscopy itself is totally painless, with no lasting side effects.

Byam says the majority of her patients who have one colonoscopy come back willingly for their next screening.

“It’s the ultimate act of love for your family,” she says. “If you won’t do it for yourself, do it for the people who need you.”

Gut Health Is About More Than Cancer

While March shines a spotlight on colorectal cancer awareness, digestive health impacts everyday life in ways people often overlook.

Garnet Health Doctors Gastroenterology providers evaluate and treat:

• Acid reflux and swallowing difficulties
• Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis)
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• H. pylori infections
• Abdominal pain and chronic digestive symptoms
• Upper GI concerns via endoscopy

Do you have chronic reflux that doesn’t improve with medication? Difficulty swallowing? Black stool? Symptoms such as these and others should be evaluated. “There are no formal screening guidelines for esophageal or gastric cancer,” Byam explains. “So we rely heavily on symptoms.”

That makes paying attention to any changes in bodily function even more important.

Everyday Steps for Better Gut Health

Some of the most powerful steps you can take to improve your gut health include:

• Increasing dietary fiber, like eating more fruits and vegetables daily
• Considering a fiber supplement, if needed
• Staying active
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Limiting heavily processed meats and red meat
• Avoiding tobacco and limiting alcohol

Take the Next Step

For residents of Sullivan and Orange counties, screening and digestive care are available through Garnet Health. If you’re due for a screening—or experiencing symptoms you’ve been putting off—connect with Garnet Health Doctors to schedule an appointment. Call (845) 333-8909 or visit  garnethealth.org/services/gastroenterology.