Assessing Your Risk: How to Use the Colorectal Cancer Risk Assessment Tool Effectively

Assessing Your Risk: How to Use the Colorectal Cancer Risk Assessment Tool Effectively

Fast Facts:

  • Colorectal Cancer is the second deadliest cancer for men and women combined. Knowing your risk means you can get screened earlier.
  • Research shows that effective screening catches colon cancer early, when it’s most curable. Early screening saves lives.
  • The National Cancer Institute has developed a Risk Assessment Tool that can help you and your healthcare provider decide if you need to be screened before age 45, the current recommendation to begin screening. Using the Risk Assessment Tool effectively can help you make more informed healthcare decisions when it comes to colon cancer.

If you’ve browsed the CheckIt4Andretti website, you know that we emphasize screening for colon and rectal cancer. The national recommendation for people with normal risk for colon cancer, is to start getting screened starting at age 45. Some people are at increased risk, however. Knowing your risk factors is an important step in knowing if you need to get screened earlier. That’s why every article we post includes the National Cancer Institute’s Colorectal Cancer Risk Assessment Tool. It’s even found on our homepage! Let’s take a look at each question on the risk assessment tool and see how it impacts your chances of developing colorectal cancer.

1. Are you Hispanic or Latino?

This question is important because colon cancer is higher in Hispanic and Latino people compared to other White people. This is especially true for younger Hispanic people. Like other ethnic demographics, colon cancer is rising in the 20-29 year old group.

2. To which ethnicity do you identify?

Black Americans have a much higher risk of developing colorectal cancer. And they have an even greater risk of dying from colon cancer than non-Black people. Since there is a greater incidence and mortality, many Black Americans should be screened younger than the age of 45, especially if they have other risk factors.

3. What is your age?

Conventional wisdom says that the older you are, the more likely you are to be diagnosed with colon cancer. This is true. But the incidence of colorectal cancer is actually going down in people over the age of 50. Although it’s still less common in younger people, the rate of colon cancer is increasing in people between the ages of 20-50. As a matter of fact, people born between 1981-1996 have twice the risk of colorectal cancer as people born in 1950.

4. What’s your sex?

Men are at slightly higher risk for colon cancer than women. About 1 in 23 men will be diagnosed with colon cancer in their lifetime. The risk is about 1 in 25 for women.

5. What's your height and weight?

This question is estimating your BMI or body mass index. It’s an imperfect way to determine if you’re overweight or obese. Body builders have a large muscle mass which increases their overall weight, but they usually have very little fat. So a body builder’s BMI might suggest that they’re obese. 

Being overweight or obese is a risk factor for developing colorectal cancer, especially in men. And being obese as a child has been linked to an increase in both men’s (39%) and women’s (19%)  risk of colorectal cancer at an early age.

6. In the last month, how many servings of vegetables or leafy green salads did you eat per week?

Vegetables, especially green leafy vegetables, are associated with a lower risk of colorectal cancer. Researchers think that folate,Vitamin B-9, may help prevent colon cells from turning cancerous.

7. In the last year, in how many months did you do any kind of moderate physical activity (no sweating, not out of breath)?

Any amount of activity is good for your body. Moderate activity, for 30-60 minutes, 5 times per week can reduce colon cancer risk.

8. In the last year, in how many months, if any, did you do any kind of vigorous activity (that made you sweat and out of breath)?

Doing 10-20 minutes of vigorous activity, 5 times per week can give the same risk reduction as longer amounts of moderate activity. If you can’t do vigorous or moderate activity, start by doing what you can. Any movement is beneficial and over time, you may be able to do more.

9. During the past 10 years, did you have a colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, or both?

Studies show that having a colonoscopy on a regular schedule can reduce your risk of developing colon cancer by almost 70%. And it can reduce your risk of dying from colon cancer by almost 90%. That’s because during a colonoscopy, your doctor can see any abnormal tissue (polyps) and remove them before they become cancerous.

10. If you had a colonoscopy, did the doctor find any polyps?

When left untreated, polyps run the risk of turning into colon cancer. Removing the polyp reduces the risk of that happening. Keep in mind, polyp removal isn’t a “one and done” situation. If you have worrisome polyps (large or dysplastic polyps), your gastroenterologist will likely want to perform another colonoscopy sooner than 10 years.

11. During the past 30 days, did you take medications containing aspirin at least 3 times a week, such as Bufferin, Bayer, Excedrin, other generic forms?

Medicines that contain aspirin can reduce your risk of developing colon cancer significantly. Research shows that regular aspirin use can decrease the incidence of colon cancer by about 10%

12. During the past 30 days, did you take medications that do not contain aspirin at least 3 times a week, such as Advil, Aleve, Celebrex, Ibuprofen, Motrin, Naproxen, or Nuprin?

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are linked to a lower risk of colon cancer and better survival rates. NSAIDs may reduce the development of polyps by reducing inflammation.

Tylenol is not an NSAID and doesn’t have the same rate of risk reduction as aspirin and other NSAIDs.

13. Do you have any immediate relatives (mother, father, brothers or sisters, sons or daughters) who ever had cancer of the colon or rectum (cancer of the lower intestine)?

Colon cancer is one of the most common genetic conditions in people. The defective gene in colon cancer can’t make a protein responsible for repairing DNA. If a close relative is diagnosed with any type of colorectal cancer, you stand a greater chance of developing it, too. That’s why screening and genetic testing should be considered for anyone with a family history of colon cancer. 

The Bottom Line:

The National Cancer Institute’s Risk Assessment Tool is an effective way to estimate a person’s risk for colon or rectal cancer. It asks questions about known risk factors that people diagnosed with colorectal cancer share. Having a high risk doesn’t mean that you’ll get colon cancer. And having a low risk doesn’t mean you’re safe. The risk calculator is simply a tool that can prompt you to get screened earlier. Remember to get checked with a colon cancer screening test beginning at age 45, or earlier if you find you have an increased risk. Check it for the people who love you. CheckIt4Andretti.

If you’d like to honor John Andretti and his legacy, get involved with CheckIt4Andretti Foundation:

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Eating Healthy Over the Holidays

Eating Healthy Over the Holidays

Fast Facts:

  • Most Americans gain 2-5 pounds over the holiday season and being overweight is closely linked to an increased risk for colon cancer.

  • Substituting locally grown, brightly-colored, whole fruits and vegetables in place of highly processed, sugary and fatty foods can help fight colon cancer. 

  • Limit alcohol and sugar, since both are linked to colon cancer. After 1 or 2 drinks, consider a fancy ‘mocktail’ or non-alcoholic substitute.

Many of us make a New Year’s Resolution to eat healthier and start an exercise routine. But did you know that, on average, Americans gain about 2-5 pounds during the holidays? Most of us never lose that weight. Over time, being overweight can increase the risk for all types of cancer, including colon cancer. And many of the foods we enjoy over the holidays are highly processed and filled with sugar and unhealthy fats, which are also linked to colon cancer.

This year, start your New Year’s Resolution early. Eat and drink foods that will lower your colon cancer risk. You might also be able to avoid that 2-5 pounds of holiday weight gain by choosing healthy, yet festive alternatives. Let’s take a look at some healthy holiday options.

To Your Health!

Toasting the holidays with a glass of champagne or wine is something most of us look forward to. Too much alcohol is linked to an increased colon cancer and rectal cancer risk. The risk is greater for men than women. You don’t have to go cold turkey on Turkey Day! Here are some healthy ways to say cheers:

  • Limit alcohol to one or two drinks at an event
  • Hydrate with water ahead of time
  • Choose one of the many new non-alcoholic alternatives
  • Spruce up sparkling water or club soda with a twist of lemon, lime or even olives to create your own “mocktail”

Cancer-Fighting Side-Kicks

Side dishes are often the stars of holiday festivities. When you avoid fake fats and processed ingredients, side dishes can become superfood side-kicks. Here are some easy ways to add cancer-fighting nutrients to your favorite feasts:

  • Instead of casseroles, serve steamed cruciferous vegetables. Cabbage, broccoli, kale, radish, turnip and cauliflower contain nutrients that have been shown to fight cancer. They also contain fiber, which is important for gut health.
  • Choose sweet potatoes instead of mashed potatoes. Sweet potatoes are loaded with carotenoids which have also been shown to fight cancer. They also have a lower glycemic index and contain more Vitamin A than white potatoes. Other carotenoid-rich foods include carrots, butternut squash and pumpkin.
  • Whole grains have more fiber and are more nutrient-dense compared to their processed counterparts. Think making homemade croutons for stuffing using leftover whole wheat bread. You can make stuffing from your homemade croutons, or you could make quinoa stuffing.  
  • Make sure to include a colorful salad, filled with lots of vibrant vegetables like tomatoes, carrots, onions, radishes, green peas, chickpeas, celery, peppers and anything else you want to add.
  • Along with the salad, you can make your own salad dressing. Olive oil, lemon juice, turmeric, garlic, pepper, apple cider vinegar and herbs are all healthy options to spice up your dressings.

The Main Attraction

The centerpiece at almost every holiday meal is usually a big turkey, ham or roast. This year consider bringing in a back-up player. Seafood is a healthy choice to replace traditional meats. Wild caught salmon and other cold water fish are high in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s have been shown to lower inflammation, a key component of colon cancers.

If you decide to go with a traditional meat, try to choose something that’s lean and free-range, if possible. Fatty meat contributes to inflammation and is linked to an increased risk of colon and rectal cancer.

Just Desserts

No holiday party or meal is complete without a special dessert. Consider some colon-friendly confections that are low in sugar, minimally processed and loaded with cancer-fighting nutrients

Cancer nutritionists recommend a dessert table with some of these tasty treats:

  • A fresh fruit tray of berries, kiwi, pomegranate, grapes, figs, cherries and citrus

  • Pumpkin souffle

  • Apple and cranberry crumble

  • Baked pears or apples

     

Remember that store bought desserts can have unhealthy fats and tons of added sugar. When you make them at home, you can choose the healthiest ingredients and control how much sugar and fat you use.

The Bottom Line

The holidays are a time for us to gather around the table with family and friends. What we put on the table can either nourish our bodies and help us fight off cancer or make us more vulnerable. Highly processed foods that contribute to cancer are everywhere, especially during the holidays. With a little bit of extra effort, you can still enjoy the bounty of the season while also warding off colon cancer. And you may be able to avoid those 2-5 pounds of holiday weight gain.

If you’d like to honor John Andretti and his legacy, get involved with CheckIt4Andretti Foundation:

Volunteer at events as they happen

Donate to our mission

Check your risk with the risk assessment tool

Sign up for our Newsletter!

500 Breakfast Club Third Annual Golf Outing Benefits CheckIt4Andretti Foundation

500 Breakfast Club Third Annual Golf Outing Benefits CheckIt4Andretti Foundation

CheckIt4Andretti was honored to be the beneficiary of the 500 Breakfast Club’s 3rd Annual Golf Outing on Saturday, September 28, 2024. The group is made up of interested Indycar open wheel enthusiasts and meets for breakfast the first Saturday of each month.

This year’s golf outing, which was held at Eagle Creek Golf Club in Indianapolis, raised $8,739.66. The group’s chairman, Bob Beisel, presented the check to CheckIt4Andretti Secretary, Carolyn Andretti Molander.

Thank you to all the sponsors, donors and volunteers!

Matt Parrott

Mario Andretti  

Marissa Andretti

Tony George

Chris Collier

Joyce Jackson

Megan Jackson

Linda Garison

Nena Ray

Jm Oxley

Janay Martin

Packy Wheeler

Chris Hill

Diane Hill

Tony Hill

Delaney Hill

Joe Pritchett

Mike Perry

Dusty Toffolo

Doug Boles, Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Ray Skillman

Steve Bradley

Indianapolis Firefighters Credit union

Indianapolis firefighters Local 41

Arizona Sports

Bill and Stephanie Throckmorton

Rick Duman

Mike Lashmitt

Graham Rahal

Bob and Renee Fishburn

Impact Racing

Tyce Carlson

Indiana State Police

Zatz Graphics 

Chuck Lessick

Jacqui Lessick

Dr Rob Schroeder

Rick McKenney

USAC

Andy Mohr Chevrolet

Ralph Howard Hansen- Pegasus Marketing group

Marcus Thompson

Pike Fire Retirees. Rick McKinney, Bob Beisel.

Texas Roadhouse, Avon

James Carpenter, Chef at Eagle Creek Golf Club




Hurricane Helene threatened to wave the red flag on the event

Hurricane Helene threatened to dampen the golf outing, but in the end everything went as planned. Bob Beisel summed up things up by writing: 

“Hurricane Helene was a threat to our morning activities but a few of us believed that #43 had his say in the matter. The weather did look threatening but as the day pushed forward, we believed that #43, John Andretti was holding the green flag. It was a blessing to all who participated that we only experienced a very light shower towards the end of the outing.  It was unbelievable that with an 80% chance of rain that day we were able to successfully complete the day.”

The day turned out nice enough to put the top down on the Indy 500 Corvette Pace Car. Diane Beisel enjoyed sitting in the driver’s seat, flashing a bright smile and giving a “thumbs up” for a successful event!

The day in photos

Looking forward to next year’s event

The 4th Annual Golf Outing will be hosted by 500 Breakfast Club on September 27, 2025 at 9 am with a shotgun start. It will be held on the Pines Course at Eagle Creek Golf Club.

CheckIt4Andretti is honored to benefit from next year’s golf outing, as well. If you’d like to volunteer to help or would like to enter, you can reach out to Diane or Bob after New Year’s Day at rpbeisel@outlook.com or dianebeisel@gmail.com by email. 

If you’d like to honor John Andretti and his legacy, get involved with CheckIt4Andretti Foundation:

Volunteer at events as they happen

Donate to our mission

Check your risk with the risk assessment tool

Sign up for our Newsletter!

CheckIt4Andretti Patient and Partners Featured in UICC’s Series Rewriting Cancer Produced by BBC Storyworks Commercial Productions​

CheckIt4Andretti Patient and Partners Featured in UICC's Series Rewriting Cancer Produced by BBC Storyworks Commercial Productions

The CheckIt4Andretti Foundation is honored to have one of its healthcare partners and one of our patients featured in UICC’s series Rewriting Cancer produced by BBC Storyworks Commercial Productions.

The series launched on September 17, 2024 and was promoted at the World Cancer Congress. Made in conjunction with the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) the short, easy to understand five-minute films highlight the advances being made in the fight against all types of cancer, around the world. 

One film in the series tells the inspirational story of Gladys Dykes, who is the recipient of a CheckIt4Andretti foundation colonoscopy grant. Gladys received an at-home FIT (fecal immunochemical test) at no-cost from CI4A partner Polymedco. The test came back abnormal! Luckily, Gladys didn’t have to worry about what to do next. 

Another CI4A Foundation partner, Dr. Vinay Patel at NE Digestive Health in Concord, NC stepped in to make sure Gladys received the care she needed. Using funds from CI4A Foundation, Dr. Patel could provide Gladys with a colonoscopy at no cost to her. Fortunately, Dr. Patel was able to see the large mass that caused Gladys to have an abnormal FIT test and it was removed.

Heartbreakingly, Gladys lost her husband of 16 years to colon cancer a few years ago. When she had an abnormal FIT, Gladys was afraid she might be on the same path as her husband. 

In the film, Dr. Patel explains how colon cancer, “Can be a silent disease,” meaning it may not have symptoms. The FIT is an at-home screening test that looks for blood in the stool, which could mean different gastrointestinal problems like colitis, polyps, and colorectal cancer. Since Gladys had a positive FIT, her doctor referred her for a colonoscopy which is an exam used to look for changes in the large intestine (colon) and rectum.

Gladys’ story has a very happy ending. Even though she didn’t have any symptoms, a safe, easy to use at home FIT alerted Gladys’ doctor to take action. A colonoscopy from our partners at NE Digestive Health found a cancerous mass at the end of her colon. The mass was removed, and Gladys is colon-cancer free and cured!

John Andretti’s legacy lives on through the CheckIt4Andretti Foundation. With our invaluable partners like Polymedco and NE Digestive Health, CI4A is saving precious lives like Gladys’ everyday.

If everyone gets checked with a screening test, we can wipe out colon cancer. Gladys got checked at her annual exam. You should get checked too! Check it for the people you love. Check it for the people who love you. CheckIt4Andretti!

Tummy Troubles: Could it be IBS, Colon Cancer or Something Else?

Tummy Troubles: Could it be IBS, Colon Cancer or Something Else?

Fast Facts

  • Colorectal cancer (CRC), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) share many of the same symptoms and can be confused for each other.
  • After CRC and IBD are ruled out using lab tests or colonoscopy, IBS can be diagnosed if symptoms come and go for at least 6 months.
  • IBS does not increase a person’s risk of colorectal cancer but IBD such as Crhohn’s or ulcerative colitis does increase the risk of CRC. It’s important to find out what’s causing your stomach problems so you know if you’re at increased risk of developing CRC.

Everyone has experienced gut troubles like abdominal pain, bloating and bowel changes at least once in their life. The problem usually goes away in a day or two. But what if the symptoms stick around for days on end? Or weeks? How do you know if what’s going on inside your belly is something  you need to check into? Many things can cause tummy troubles, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colorectal cancer (CRC).The symptoms of IBS, IBD and CRC overlap. A lot!  Let’s take a look at each of these conditions and how to tell them apart.

Symptoms of IBS

There’s no test for IBS. Doctors can’t look at the gut with an X-ray or colonoscopy and tell if it’s IBS causing your discomfort.The symptoms of IBS can overlap with many other conditions including IBD, an ovarian cyst, food poisoning, a simple stomach bug and even colon cancer.  But, time is the critical factor in diagnosing IBS. IBS is diagnosed when a person has the following symptoms on and off for at least six months:

  • +/-Constipation
  • +/-Diarrhea
  • Abdominal pain
  • Abdominal bloating
  • Mucus in your stool
  • Feeling like you haven’t finished a bowel movement
  • Symptoms improve after a bowel movement

Doctors will need to rule out more serious diseases like cancer and IBD before diagnosing IBS. It’s important to remember that although IBS can impact quality of life, it doesn’t carry an increased risk of developing colon or rectal cancer.

Symptoms of IBD

Inflammatory bowel disease is a medical term for chronic inflammation of the bowel. Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis (UC) are the main types of IBD. Doctors aren’t sure what causes IBD to start with, but there seems to be a genetic component and also an immune component. IBD tends to be a lifelong condition once it’s diagnosed.

The symptoms of IBD are similar to IBS. In addition, people with IBD may also experience:

  • Anemia
  • Bloody stools
  • Fatigue
  • Weight loss

Unlike IBS, doctors can diagnose IBD some of these tools:

  • Endoscopy for Crohn’s disease
  • Colonoscopy for UC
  • Radiology studies like CT or MRI
  • Stool sample
  • Blood tests

IBD can have a serious impact on a person’s quality of life. And because of the chronic inflammation, it increases a person’s risk of developing colon or rectal cancer. As a matter of fact, IBD is one of the risk factors for CRC.

Take the Colon Cancer Risk Assessment

Symptoms of CRC

The most common symptom of CRC is no symptom at all. But when symptoms are present, they can be similar to IBS and IBD, including:

  • Changes in bowel habits
  • Vomiting
  • Tiredness
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Abdominal discomfort
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Blood in the stool

And recently, skinny stools have been recognized as an indication of potential colon cancer. If you notice that you have very narrow bowel movements for a week or more, talk to your doctor right away.

Why is it important to know if it is IBS, IBD, or colon cancer?

The most obvious reason that it’s important to know what’s causing your abdominal discomfort is that CRC is curable when caught early. Without proper treatment, colon and rectal cancers are almost always fatal. The proper treatment can also make IBS and IBD more tolerable and significantly improve a person’s quality of life. The treatment for each of these is different, so it’s important to recognize which condition you’re dealing with. Early and appropriate treatment can make a huge difference in the outcome.

The Bottom Line

There are myriad reasons to have stomach problems in the modern world. While some of them go away on their own, more serious issues persist and even get worse with time. The good news is that when even serious medical problems, like colon cancer, are caught early, they can be treated and oftentimes cured. By running some tests or doing a procedure, your doctor can help determine if your tummy troubles are due to colon cancer or something less worrisome. The only way to know for sure is to get checked out. Check it for the ones you love. CheckIt4Andretti.

FDA Approves Blood Test for Colon and Rectal Cancer

FDA Approves Blood Test for Colon and Rectal Cancer

Fast Facts

  • The Shield test by Guardant Health is a new blood test for colon and rectal cancers (colorectal cancer) which detects cancer DNA (cfDNA) circulating in the blood.
  • Shield is very sensitive for detecting Stage II, III, IV colorectal cancers, but very limited for polyps and Stage I cancers. It needs to be repeated every 3 years.
  • Shield isn’t for everyone. It’s not recommended as a screening test for anyone who has a family history of colorectal cancer, a family or personal history of certain genetic disorders, a personal history of adenomas or other positive screening test.
  • Colonoscopy is still the gold standard for screening for colon and rectal cancer. The best screening test is the one that you’ll actually do and stay up to date with.

    A few months ago, CheckIt4Andretti reported on an exciting new blood test for colon and rectal cancers (CRC). The test wasn’t FDA-approved at that time, but recently it jumped the last hurdle and now Shield by Guardant Health has been recognized as a valid test option. Many people don’t follow through with other CRC screening tests like colonoscopy, FIT or radiographic tests because they seem complicated or kind of gross. New blood screening tests are quick and easy. And now that they have FDA approval, they can be covered by Medicare and insurance. Let’s take a look at the advantages and drawbacks to ctDNA blood testing as a screening test for CRC.

    cfDNA tests explained

    All cells use DNA as an instruction manual for making the proteins that control metabolism, growth and cell division. Cancer cells use the same kind of DNA as healthy cells. But changes in DNA (mutations) allow cancer cells to grow at a much faster rate than normal, break free of neighboring cells and spread to parts of the body where they don’t belong. When the fast-growing cancer cells die, they break open and spill their DNA into the bloodstream. Doctors can check the blood for cancer DNA using special tests that look for mutations.

    cfDNA testing is also called a liquid biopsy because it uses blood (a liquid) instead of the traditional solid tumor biopsy. It is much easier and less expensive to draw a vial of blood than to do a tumor biopsy. A phlebotomist can draw blood with tests in a lab, whereas a trained professional like a surgeon is needed for a solid tumor biopsy.

    You might see terms like cfDNA (cell-free DNA) or ctDNA (circulating tumor DNA) along with liquid biopsy. The terms aren’t exactly the same, but they’re all ways of describing a way of looking for small fragments of DNA circulating in the blood. cfDNA can come from normal cells or cancer cells. ctDNA comes only from tumor cells. There are circulating DNA tests for many different kinds of cancers, prenatal tests and inherited diseases.

    Is a liquid biopsy better than the other tests?

    Yes and no. 

    Yes, because Guardant Health reports a 90% follow-through rate for their liquid biopsy. All other screening tests have about a 50% follow-through rate. More than 1 in 3 Americans are behind on recommended screening for CRC. If you’re more likely to follow through with a test, then it’s better than the one you won’t follow through with.

    No, because liquid biopsy doesn’t pick up polyps or Stage I cancer very well. That’s because there’s not a lot of cancer DNA in the blood early on. And cfDNA testing isn’t for everyone. Among the people who cfDNA tests aren’t indicated include:

    • People who’ve recently had a different abnormal screening test, like stool tests or radiology tests 
    •  Those with a family history of colon cancer
    • Individuals with risk factors like IBD, Lynch Syndrome or Familial Andenomatous Polyposis
    • People who have a history of colon cancer, adenomas or related cancer

    If you have a positive cfDNA test, you will need to follow-up with a colonoscopy. That’s because cfDNA tests like Shield only tell you IF you have cancer. It doesn’t tell you what stage or how aggressive the cancer is. Only a colonoscopy with a biopsy can give you the full picture.

    Colonoscopy is still the gold standard for CRC screening. But if you’re one of the 50% who’s unlikely to get a colonoscopy or do a stool-based test, then a blood test is a great option.

    Take the Colon Cancer Risk Assessment

    How good is the cfDNA test?

    The data for Shield is very good, but not as good as a colonoscopy. The later the stage, the more likely you’ll get a positive test. Shield’s sensitivity for each stage are as follows:

    Sensitivity measures how likely a test is to detect an illness if that illness is present.

    The Shield test is 90% specific. That means that 1 in 10 people who do not have CRC will test positive. A positive screening test is always a reason for a colonoscopy.

    The Bottom Line

    Colorectal cancer has become the second deadliest cancer for men and women. Screening can detect CRC early when it’s most curable. Right now, only about 50% of people follow through with getting their screening test done. New liquid biopsies like Guardant Health’s Shield test are quick, convenient and affordable. They have a higher follow-through rate, meaning more people are likely to get the test done. The test isn’t for everyone, so talk to your doctor. If you’re reluctant to get a stool based test or colonoscopy, a simple blood test may be the answer you’ve been looking for. Remember, a lot of people are counting on you, so get checked out. Check it for the people who love you. CheckIt4Andretti.

    Breaking Down Colon Cancer Statistics: Catch it early to keep the odds in your favor

    Breaking Down Colon Cancer Statistics: Catch it early to keep the odds in your favor

    Fast Facts

    • Colorectal cancer( CRC) is the second deadliest cancer in men and women in the US.
    • 1 in 24 people will be diagnosed with CRC at some point in their life. And over 50,000 Americans will die of CRC this year.
    • The earlier you catch colon cancer, the more likely you are to survive. People with localized cancer at diagnosis have a greater than 90% chance of being alive 5 years after diagnosis. 

    The team here at CheckIt4Andretti are working hard to raise awareness about the benefits of screening for colon cancer. We’re spreading the word that colorectal cancer (CRC) is preventable and that it’s curable when caught early. You can’t change your genetics, but modifying lifestyle choices may reduce your risk. Let’s take a look at your chances of getting colon cancer and how you can keep the odds in your favor.

    1 in 24

    One in 24 people in the US will develop colon or rectal cancer (CRC) at some point in their life. The risk is slightly higher for men (1 in 23) than women (1in 24). That means that if you have 25 friends, family members or co-workers, your life will most likely be touched by CRC. That number has been slowly decreasing since doctors started routine screening. 1 in 24 also means that there will be about 153,000 new cases of colon cancer diagnosed this year. 

    Increasing almost 2% a year

    Even though the overall rate of CRC is going down, there’s one group where it’s going up. Young people under 45 years old are experiencing a 1-2% increase in the rate of colon cancer every year! In 1995, people under 55  accounted for about 10% of newly diagnosed cases of CRC. By 2019, they made up 20% of new diagnoses. 

    Doctors think there are many reasons for the increasing rates in young people. The reasons young people may be developing CRC more often include:

    • Recommended screening doesn’t start until age 45 
    • The lack of symptoms until CRC has developed
    • Increasing rates of overweight and obesity
    • Highly processed foods in the Western diet
    • Sedentary lifestyle
    • High sugar intake
    • Alcohol and tobacco use

    Dr. Xavier Llor, a gastroenterologist at Yale Medicine, recommends focusing on the factors young people can change in order to reduce their risk, including:

    • Don’t smoke and minimize alcohol use
    • Exercise, even a short walk, each day
    • Lose weight: small changes can have a big impact
    • Eat more whole foods and vegetables. Eat less processed, sugary foods and red meat
    • Listen to your body. If something doesn’t seem right, get it checked out

    Take the Colon Cancer Risk Assessment

    2nd Deadliest Cancer

    CRC cancer has become the second biggest cancer killer among Americans; lung cancer ranks deadliest among men and women combined. That means that over 53,000 people are expected to die from CRC in the US this year! Second place is a heartbreaking statistic when you consider that CRC is largely preventable or curable when caught early.

    Greater than 90%

    The American Joint Committee on Cancer reports that if CRC is diagnosed before it spreads to lymph nodes or outside the colon, more than 90% of people will be alive 5 years after diagnosis. The 5 year survival drops quickly depending on how far the cancer has spread. 5 year survival rates based on stage are as follows:

    Catching CRC at Stage 0 or 1 also means a much easier treatment regimen. A simple polypectomy (removal of a polyp) or surgical resection is usually the treatment of choice for very early colorectal cancers. More advanced stages (2-4) require more extensive surgery. Depending on its size, organs affected and aggressiveness of the cancer, other treatments may be needed. Chemotherapy, radiation or immunotherapy may be used to help improve your chances of a good outcome.

    Zero

    The risk of getting CRC is never zero. You can’t control every risk factor. Even if you exercise every day, never drink or smoke and only eat organic whole food, you’re still at risk for getting CRC. Once you’re born, the dice have been thrown. You can’t go back and change the characteristics that are carried in your family’s past. And you can’t control all the chemicals in the environment around you. Some of the factors that increase your risk of CRC, but you can’t control include:

    • Family history of CRC
    • Genetic syndromes 
    • Environmental exposure
    • Ethnicity
    • Gender at birth
    • Age

    The Bottom Line

    Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in men and women. When caught early it can be cured. You can’t reduce your risk of getting CRC to zero, but you can improve your odds by modifying some lifestyle choices, losing weight and getting screened. People are counting on you to be there for them tomorrow and years from now. Don’t gamble with your life. Get checked out. Check it for the people you love. CheckIt4Andretti.

    Colonoscopy Screening: What to Expect Before, During and After the Procedure

    Fast Facts:

    • Everyone should start routine screening for colorectal cancer beginning at age 45, and younger if you have risk factors for colon cancer.
    • Colonoscopy is considered the gold standard screening test for detecting colon cancer. Colonoscopy allows your doctor to biopsy any abnormalities they see and to remove worrisome polyps.
    • You have a choice of how to prepare for your colonoscopy. An expert team will take care of you during and after the procedure.

    There are multiple tests to screen for colon and rectal cancer. Some simple tests check for cancer markers or blood in the stool (stool-based tests). More high-tech tests involve doing a CT scan. And recently, a new blood test (a ctDNA or liquid biopsy test) has been developed. 

    But the gold-standard test for detecting colorectal cancer at its earliest and most treatable stage is a colonoscopy. Let’s take a look at what you can expect before, during and after you have this potentially life-saving procedure.

    What can I expect before having a colonoscopy?

    Having a clean bowel will give your doctor the best chance of seeing the smallest changes in your colon lining. The smaller a cancer is when it’s detected, the better chance you have of beating it. Of course, your colon isn’t normally nice and clean inside.

    Your big assignment before arriving to have your colonoscopy will be a thorough bowel prep. Your doctor will give you instructions to start a special diet a few days before your procedure. Here’s what our partners at NorthEast Digestive Health say to do before your colonoscopy:

    2-3 Days before the procedure:

    You’ll start the process of cleaning out your colon by eating food that’s easy to digest. This is called a low residue diet.

    • Eat a low-fiber diet. Avoid foods like nuts, seeds, and raw vegetables. You may be required to stop consuming solid foods a day or two before the procedure.
    • Make sure to stay hydrated, drinking plenty of fluids.
    • Take all medications as prescribed.
    • You can eat any type of meat, pasta, rice, and cooked fruits and vegetables (without skins/peels) during these 3 days.
    • No alcohol. It can cause dehydration.

    1 Day before the procedure:

    Usually you’ll start your bowel prep the day before the colonoscopy. Sometimes your doctor might ask you to start earlier. This is usually the part most people dread. But you can work with your doctor to find a bowel prep that you can tolerate based on how it tastes, how much you have to drink and how long it takes. 

    • The morning before your procedure, have a light breakfast.
    • After breakfast, begin a “clear liquid diet.” This means broth, jello, clear sodas, water, popsicles, Italian ice, juice, gatorade and coffee or tea without creamer. 
    • Keep in mind that none of your clear liquids should be colored red, purple or blue.
    • No dairy is allowed the day before your procedure.
    • Make sure you stay hydrated, drinking plenty of clear liquids.
    • Make sure you finish all of your prep medicines and liquid as instructed.

    Your doctor will instruct you on what time to start your bowel prep medications and give specific directions for the prep you’ll be doing. The goal is to have clear liquid stools when you complete the bowel prep.

    The morning of the procedure:

    You might be a little nervous on the morning of your colonoscopy. But the hard part is really over! Your doctor and nurses do this procedure every day and they’ll take good care of you. This is what to expect the morning of the procedure

    • Your doctor will tell you if you should take your normal medications.
    • You can usually drink small amounts of clear liquids up until 2 hours before your procedure.
    • Someone needs to drive you to your procedure and back home, since you’ll be groggy for a while afterwards.
    • Wear comfortable clothes and shoes.

    Most facilities will check that you have a driver and ask that they stay until the procedure is finished.

    What happens during the colonoscopy?

    You won’t remember much about the time surrounding your colonoscopy. But this is how the procedure goes:

    • A nurse will check you in and verify who you are and what you’re having done.
    • An anesthesia provider or nurse will start an IV and fluids. 
    • They’ll also attach monitors to make sure your heart rate, blood pressure and breathing are all normal.
    • You’ll be asked to breath through a mask as you receive a sedative and drift off to sleep.
    • Your doctor will use a special camera and light on a long tube to look inside your rectum and colon. The tube also holds surgical instruments that can be used to cut and scrape, if needed.
    • If the doctor sees any areas of concern, they will take biopsies (cut off tiny pieces of colon lining). If they see a polyp (a large finger-like projection from the colon wall), they may decide to remove it.
    • When the doctor has looked at the entire colon, they will remove the tube. Any tissue they removed will be sent to a pathologist to check for cancer.
    • The anesthesia provider will wake you up after the procedure. 
    • After you’re awake and talking, you’ll be allowed to drink some clear liquids.
    • When you’re cleared by the anesthesia provider and your GI doctor, you’ll be discharged from the facility to go home.

    What can I expect after I’m discharged?

    You’ll start to feel like your old self pretty quickly. Most people are back to normal within a few hours. Here’s what to expect after the procedure:

    • You can begin to eat normally as soon as you feel up to it. Start off with small bites and see how you tolerate the food.
    • You probably won’t feel any pain after a colonoscopy. You might have some nausea, bloating or gas. You might also have a small amount of bleeding from your rectum.
    • Remember to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids.
    • Avoid alcohol and heavy lifting for a day or two.
    • If you feel bloated or gassy, try taking a walk to help get your bowels moving normally.
    • You should feel back to normal within a few hours and can return to normal activities the next day. 
    • Your doctor should call you within about a week to share your biopsy results. If you haven’t heard from them, call their office and ask for the results.

    When should I call my doctor after a colonoscopy?

    Most people have no complications after colonoscopy. But there are a few things to look out for, including:

    • Bleeding: A small amount of blood in your first bowel movement is normal. If there’s significant blood or if it continues after the first day, you should alert your doctor.
    • Abdominal pain: Bloating and gas are normal, but severe pain or pain that lasts more than a couple of days is not. 
    • Fever: You should not run a fever after a colonoscopy. If you have a temperature higher than 100.4 degrees, let your doctor know.
    • If you haven’t heard from your doctor’s office within a week, give them a call to get your pathology report. 

    Most people need to get a repeat colonoscopy in 10 years. But some people will need one sooner. Make sure you find out when you need to get your next screening.

    Bottom Line:

    Colonoscopy is the gold-standard for colorectal cancer screening. It takes several days to prepare for, undergo and recover from the colonoscopy procedure. There are several bowel prep options available to you and your doctor. Colonoscopy is a safe, routine and effective screening tool that has been proven to save lives. Recovery is usually quick, easy and uncomplicated. It’s a great way to get checked for colon cancer. Check it for your loved ones. CheckIt4Andretti.

    Here’s how you can help us wipe out colon cancer:

    Donate to CheckIt4Andretti

    Sign up for our newsletter

    Take the Colon Cancer Risk Assessment

    Follow our blog

    Colon Cancer is Going Undetected in Young People

    Fast Facts:

    • The number of people under the age of 45 diagnosed with colorectal cancer is going up more than 1% every year. A person under 45 is twice as likely to get colon cancer as a person over 70.
    • Colon cancer is now the #1 cause of cancer death in men under the age of 50, and the #2 cause of cancer death in women in that age group. Young people and their doctors often ignore the subtle warning signs of colorectal cancer.
    • Screening tests like FIT test, virtual colonoscopy and colonoscopy detect colon cancer early, while it’s still curable.  
    • Most people under 45 don’t know to ask for a screening test unless they’re aware of their family history and know the worrisome signs of colorectal cancer.

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    You might not realize it right now, but your life will most likely be touched by colorectal cancer. Colon cancer statistics are alarming- and they’re only getting worse, especially for younger people. The American Cancer Society states that about 1 in 25 Americans will be diagnosed with colon cancer in their lifetime. That rate is going down in people over 45 because of awareness and screening. Sadly, the rate is going up in younger people. And colon cancer is more deadly in people under 45. Let’s take a look at what’s happening.

    Why is colorectal cancer more deadly in younger people?

    We usually think of “older people” as being more frail or less healthy than “young people.” It seems logical they’d have a harder time fighting off colorectal cancer. But the truth of the matter is that younger people, under 45 years old, have an increased risk of getting colon cancer than people over 70. Each year these statistics have gotten better for older adults and worse for younger people. Why?

    There are several reasons why the number of diagnoses and the mortality rate (the number of people who die) has gone down in people over 45. Some of the reasons doctors cite include:

    • Routine screening tests starting at age 45 catches cancer early so that it’s more curable.
    • Routine screening tests starting at age 45 find polyps so that they can be removed. They don’t have a chance to turn into cancer.
    • Chemotherapy is better now than 20 years ago. Surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and immunotherapy can be used in combination to target different types of colorectal cancer.

    There are probably other factors at play. All cancers are a result of complex interactions between a person’s genetics, food and environment.

    Why are so many young people getting colon cancer?

    Doctors aren’t really sure why more young people are getting all types of colorectal cancer. Some of the factors that increase the risk include:

    • Eating a diet high in processed foods and processed red meats 
    • Increased rates of obesity 
    • Not getting enough exercise  
    • Tobacco use
    • Alcohol use 
    • Environmental exposure to chemicals
    • Unhealthy Gut bacteria

    Another thing to take into account is that people under 45 aren’t advised to get routine screening tests. Unless a young person is aware of the warning signs of colon cancer, and their family history, they won’t be aware of their own risk of colon cancer. That means they won’t know when to talk to their doctor. Remember, screening is one of the major reasons colon cancer rates are dropping in people over 50.

    So what are the signs of colorectal cancer in young people?

    Signs of colorectal cancer in young people are vague and easily ignored. Oftentimes, if a 30-something tells their doctor of nondescript abdominal symptoms, they’re diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome or a similar GI complaint. Most of the time, it’s not cancer. But the risk of being misdiagnosed can be devastating.

    Signs of colon cancer in people under 45 include:

    • Abdominal pain
    • Blood in stools
    • Diarrhea
    • Iron deficiency anemia
    • Unexplained weight loss
    • Feeling bloated all the time

    If you have any of these symptoms, and they don’t get better on their own or with treatment, you should talk to your doctor and insist on a colonoscopy. 

    Another tell-tale symptom of colon cancer is having narrow stools. Pencil thin bowel movements, especially if you have any of the other symptoms of colon cancer, can be a red flag. You should talk to your doctor immediately if you notice this symptom.

    The Bottom Line

    Colon cancer is a preventable and treatable disease. It’s being caught at an earlier stage in people over 45 because of improving screening programs. But the rate is increasing in young people. And the stage they’re being diagnosed is more advanced than in older adults. Young people need to be aware of the signs of colorectal cancer. They need to be aware of their own family and genetic history, too. And they need to talk to their doctor if they think they need to be checked out. Check it for yourself. Check it for your family. CheckIt4Andretti.

    Want to help us wipe out colon cancer?

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    Take the Colon Cancer Risk Assessment

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    Colon Cancer Screening May Be Easier Than You Think!

    Fast Facts:

    • Colon cancer screening has been proven to save lives. But many people don’t get screened because they think the tests are unpleasant, inconvenient or embarrassing.
    • Current guidelines say that everyone over the age of 45 should be screened for colon cancer. And at a younger age if you have risk factors like a family history or certain genetic syndromes.
    • A new blood test called ctDNA (circulating tumor DNA) shows promise for being an accurate and convenient screening test that can be added onto routine blood tests.
    • ctDNA can also be used to help decide whether chemotherapy is needed after surgery. It may help prevent unnecessary treatment or catch recurrent cancer earlier.

    If you’ve been reading CheckIt4Andretti’s blog, you already know that colon cancer screening can save lives. You also probably know that gastroenterologists recommend getting screened starting at age 45. Many people mistakenly think that colon cancer screening is too inconvenient, embarrassing or unpleasant, so they just never get around to getting it done. But what if there was a safe, convenient, and accurate blood test that you could get along with your cholesterol test and blood counts? That kind of test could be available very soon. Let’s take a closer look at the ctDNA blood test for colon cancer.

    What is ctDNA?

    ctDNA is circulating tumor DNA. When normal cells or cancer cells die, small bits of their genetic material (DNA) gets loose in the circulatory system (blood stream). So ctDNA is tumor, or cancer, DNA that has gotten into the bloodstream. Because ctDNA is checking for tumor DNA in the blood, it’s sometimes called a “liquid biopsy.” ctDNA

    How does the ctDNA test work?

    Doctors have made a special test to tell the difference between normal DNA and cancer DNA. The test is as simple as having your blood drawn. The blood can be taken at the same time as your other lab tests during a routine doctor’s visit. For example, if you’re getting your blood count, cholesterol and electrolytes checked, the doctor will simply send part of the blood for the ctDNA test. The test looks for a specific pattern of DNA that only happens with colon cancer. If there’s any ctDNA present, a more thorough work-up needs to be done to find where it’s coming from. You should never have any ctDNA in your blood (not even a little!)

    How good is the ctDNA test?

    The ctDNA test for colon cancer is very good. Scientists look at how sensitive a test is. That means that if cancer is present, how likely is the test to pick it up? ctDNA has a 93% sensitivity compared to colonoscopy. Another thing scientists look for in a test is “specificity.” If you test negative (no ctDNA detected), it means you don’t have cancer. The ctDNA test has a 90% specificity. 

    ctDNA only picked up about 23% of precancerous lesions (advanced adenomas). Precancerous polyps can be readily seen by colonoscopy. Overall, ctDNA is as good as other stool-based screening tests. People find it more convenient, accessible and easier to complete than other tests. But colonoscopy is still the gold standard for colon cancer screening.

    Is ctDNA readily available as a screening test?

    Unfortunately, ctDNA is only available in a research setting. The good news is that researchers are working hard to make this test readily available. The ultimate goal is to improve colorectal screening. And since ctDNA is minimally invasive and convenient, it has the potential to make colorectal screening available to people who might otherwise shy away from other tests. 

    Are there other uses for ctDNA?

    Yes! ctDNA can be used to prevent unnecessary treatment. Imagine finding out you have colon or rectal cancer. Your doctor will talk to you about surgery. And chemotherapy. And maybe radiation therapy. 

    Before starting chemotherapy, your doctor might decide to get a ctDNA test. Remember, a negative ctDNA test means that you have no detectable cancer. Based on a negative ctDNA test, you and your doctor might decide to hold off on chemotherapy. You may be able to get ctDNA blood tests every couple of months to make sure the test doesn’t turn positive. You’ve avoided unnecessary treatment!

    And if you’ve had surgery and chemotherapy, ctDNA may be used to monitor for colon cancer recurrence in between colonoscopies. The earlier you catch colon cancer or colon cancer recurrence, the more likely you are to beat it.

    Want to learn more about ctDNA testing?

    If you want to learn more about ctDNA, watch this short video:

    The Bottom Line
    Colon cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in the US. Screening tests should be done beginning at age 45. Catching colon cancer early with screening tests has been proven to save lives. But many people don’t get screened because the tests are inconvenient or unpleasant. ctDNA is a promising new test that is accurate, minimally invasive, easily accessible and convenient. ctDNA isn’t widely available yet, but research is ongoing and hopefully it will be very soon. No matter what test you decide to use, get checked for the people you love. CheckIt4Andretti!

    Want to help wipe out colon cancer?
    Donate to CheckIt4Andretti

    Sign up for our newsletter

    Take the Colon Cancer Risk Assessment

    Follow our blog