March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and CHRISTUS Health recognizes this important campaign by providing crucial information about the second–deadliest cancer in the U.S., which can be detected with screenings.

“Colorectal cancer is cancer located in the colon or rectum. It frequently starts out as a noncancerous tumor or polyp,” said Dr. Christopher Snead, a medical oncologist/hematologist with CHRISTUS Highland Medical Center. “It is very important to recognize the signs and symptoms of the cancer, but even more important to detect cancer or precancerous polyps at the earliest opportunity.”

Snead said those symptoms can be changes in bowel movements, such as diarrhea or constipation; change in the consistency, color and even shape of the stool; and abdominal pain cramping or bloating.

“If symptoms persist, you should seek medical attention and speak with your primary care physician,” said Snead.

“A colonoscopy is needed to evaluate for colorectal cancer,” he said. “During that procedure, we will inspect the inside lining of the colon and rectum, and the sooner a polyp is found, the better.”

A colonoscopy is performed while a patient is sedated. A colonoscope, which is a small, lighted camera attached to the end of a long, thin, flexible tube, is inserted through the anus and advanced through the colon to the end. While advancing, the catheter pumps air into the colon to inflate it and the camera transmits video of inside the colon to a monitor.

Snead said treatment for colorectal cancer depends on the stage of cancer.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force now recommends adults start getting screened for colorectal cancer at age 45, five years earlier than the previous guidelines. The change in 2021 was based on the trend of growing cases among younger adults.

Experts are not sure why there is an increase in younger adults getting colon cancer, but point to poor diet, obesity, lack of exercise, tobacco and alcohol use as well as environmental impacts such as exposure to chemicals as possible factors. Family history also plays a role.

CHRISTUS Highland Medical Center and Coushatta Health Care Center offers colonoscopy screenings as part of its comprehensive medical services.

“Early detection increases the chance of a cure,” said Brandon Hillman, hospital administrator with CHRISTUS Coushatta Health Care Center. 

Hillman said recognizing National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month is a way for people to learn about the cancer, how to spot it and when to be screened for it.

If you need to schedule an appointment at the Shreveport location, make sure you have a referral.

For a colonoscopy at the Coushatta location, a referral is not needed and you can call (318) 932-2081 or visit CHRISTUSHeatlh.org.

Courtesy of CHRISTUS Health Public Relations