Screening can prevent colorectal cancer or detect it at a treatable stage Ask The Doctor

Colorectal cancer is among the most common cancers in both men and women, according to the American Cancer Society. In recent decades, the overall rate at which people are diagnosed with this potentially deadly disease has dropped due partly to increased screening.

Yet, colorectal cancer is also becoming more common among young adults. “Knowledge can be your first line of defense against colorectal cancer,” says Malini M. Patel, MD, Director of Medical Oncology at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton. “Understanding colorectal cancer risks and how to reduce them can save lives.” Dr. Patel highlights key points everyone should know.

What is colorectal cancer? It’s a cancer that starts anywhere along the colon—that is, the large intestine—or rectum, both of which are in the lower portion of the digestive system. These cancers often start as precancerous, abnormal growths called polyps that over time can transform to colorectal cancer.

Why is detecting colorectal cancer early so significant? If you’re diagnosed with colorectal cancer in its early stages, you have a high chance of being cured. Colonoscopy screening can not only detect polyps but also remove them during the same procedure and prevent them from becoming cancer in the future. So screening improves your odds of surviving cancer or avoiding it altogether.

At what age should people start colorectal screening?

Men and women at average risk should begin colorectal screening at age 45. Earlier testing may be appropriate for patients who have a family member with colorectal cancer, known familial disposition to cancer, or who have other risk factors such as inflammatory bowel disease.

What are options for screening? The standard screening test for colorectal cancer is colonoscopy, in which a flexible, tube with a camera is used to view the colon and rectum. It requires a laxative preparation and is performed under sedation. Results are about 95 percent accurate. A screening colonoscopy is usually repeated every 10 years. Alternatives to colonoscopy include minimally invasive CT colonography, sometimes called virtual colonoscopy, and stool-based exams in which you provide a stool sample at home and mail it to a lab. Home-based tests aren’t as accurate as a colonoscopy and must be performed once a year or every few years. If any of these tests suggest colorectal cancer, you’ll still need a colonoscopy, which is the preferred test. If a colonoscopy detects cancer, a wide range of treatment options are available.

RWJBarnabas Health and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton, in partnership with Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey—the state’s only NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center—provide close-to-home access to the most advanced treatment options. Call 844.CANCERNJ or visit www.rwjbh. org/beatcancer.

Coming up this month at RWJU Hospital Hamilton

For more information, call (609) 584-5900. To register for a program or for schedule changes go to rwjbh.org/ events.

Tuesday, March 7

Spring Mini Medical School: An 8-Week Series. Also March 7, 14, 21, 28 and April 4, 11, 18 and 25. 6 to 7:30 p.m. A FREE community education event sponsored by RWJUH Hamilton. Led by 8 medical professionals, 8 specialty areas of medicine, the program is open to junior and senior high school students, community members, retirees and seniors, and anyone else who would like to learn more about the medical profession. This program can help those attending learn if they want to pursue a career in healthcare. Discover and explore as we welcome the following physicians and healthcare professionals. *Registrants must attend every class to be eligible for a diploma of attendance.

Tuesday, March 14

Managing Stress and Diabetes. Also April 11. 3 to 4 p.m. This support group is for people living with diabetes. Learn how to cope with stress and diabetes in a healthy way.

Wednesday, March 22

Six Signs That You Should Visit a Hearing Care Professional. 10 to 11 a.m. You might not know that hearing loss isn’t the only reason you should visit a hearing care professional. Find out the six reasons to see an audiologist.

Presented by RWJ/Barnabas audiologist Dr. Lorraine Sgarlato, AuD. and Dr. Donna Grant, AuD. (Oticon Inc.)

Wednesday, March 22

Take Control of Your Health/ Chronic Disease Management. Also March 29 and April 5, 12, 19 and 26. 10 a.m. to noon. Stanford University’s Chronic Disease Self-Management Program is a cost effective evidence-based health promotion program for people with chronic illness. CDSMP is a six session workshop designed for people with any ongoing health condition, such as arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, and similar conditions. During the course participants will learn how to problem solve, set goals, and relaxation techniques to help manage chronic conditions. The interactive curriculum will address topics such as pain and fatigue management, dealing with difficult emotions, effective communication, medication management, physical activity, nutrition, and more. It is expected that participants will attend all 6 classes.

M onday, March 27

Shoulder Pains-Whys, How’s & What To Do Non-Surgically. Also March 27. 6 to 7 p.m. Join an informative session with Sports Medicine Specialists Adam Redlich, MD and Adam Thompson, DO. The discussion will include ways to manage shoulder pain without surgical intervention.

Better Health Programs

These complimentary programs for those ages 65+ will engage your mind, encourage you to move and help you reflect. Registration required for all programs. Call (609) 584-5900 or visit us on the web at www.rwjbh.org/events.

Thursday, March 9

Tai Chi Classes. Also March 23. 10 to 11 a.m. Sifu Tony Jackson, DAO Concepts leads this program. Tai Chi is recommended for seniors because it improves balance, strengthens muscles in the legs and increases flexibility and stability in the ankles. It can help reduce falls and back pain. A series of gentle physical exercises and stretches each posture flows into the next without pause, ensuring that your body is in constant motion.

Wednesday, March 15

Let’s Talk, a Senior Social Group. Also March 15, 22 and 29. 10 to 11 a.m. Please join us for the launch of this program—a gathering in a collaborative setting to exchange thoughts, feelings and experiences amongst peers. This is a safe zone designed to be welcoming and understanding of all attendees while exploring this season of our lives—the ups and the challenges. This group is a partnership between RWJ University Hospital Hamilton and the PsycHealth Associates here in Hamilton. “Let’s Talk, a Senior Social Group” will be facilitated by licensed social workers. This group will gather weekly. Light refreshments will be served.

Thursday, March 23

Nutrition and More with Dr. Sara Ali and Taryn Krietzman, RDN. 1 to 2 p.m. Join Dr. Ali and Taryn Krietzman as they take us on a journey discussing nutrition and its impact on our bodies.