Don't Take Your Chances with Colorectal Cancer: Just Get Screened

Colorectal cancer leads to more deaths than any other cancers in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, a vast majority of colorectal cancer deaths can be prevented—yet many people are not taking advantage of screening options. 

“Colorectal cancer is often called, ‘a silent cancer’ because it rarely presents with symptoms,” says Megan Morriss, MD, a general surgeon at Allen County Regional Hospital and Anderson County Hospital. “If you’re 45 or older or have any family history of polyps or colon cancer, don’t take your chances. Just get screened.” 

A timely screening can detect cancer in people who don’t have any symptoms of the disease, and a colonoscopy  is the most common and most effective screening exam used to diagnose colorectal cancer. 

How colonoscopies work

A colonoscopy requires bowel prep that typically starts 48 hours prior to the procedure. In addition to diet restrictions, you will need to drink a special fluid to help clean out your colon. During the procedure, doctors use a camera to look for abnormal growths, or polyps, on the lining of the large intestine.  

“Your colon must be fully clean to allow adequate visualization,” says Dr. Morriss. “It’s super important to follow the prep instructions to avoid missed polyps and ensure the best possible results."

Polyps in the colon can take as many as 10 to 15 years to develop into cancer. During a colonoscopy, doctors can see inside the colon and remove small polyps before they have the chance to progress into cancer.

“We always try to remove any small, precancerous polyps during the colonoscopy,” says Dr. Morriss. “If we find numerous polyps or other abnormalities, a follow-up with a gastroenterologist may be required.”

Colorectal cancer risks

Most risk factors for colorectal cancer are age and genetics-related, but you might be able to lower your risk by managing your diet and physical activity.  

If you are overweight or obese, your risk of developing polyps and colorectal cancer is higher. Increasing physical activity, limiting red and processed meats, and eating more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains can lower your risk. Limiting alcohol intake and quitting smoking may also help reduce your risk.  

The frequency for follow-up screenings varies from person to person, depending on individual results and risk factors. Talk to your provider about when you should return for another screening. Regardless of your screening history or results, there are warning signs that raise serious concerns for your colorectal health.

“Common warning signs that raise concern can include blood in the stool, changes in your bowel habits or stool caliber, abdominal pain or cramps that don’t go away, or unexplained weight loss," says Dr. Morriss. "If you experience any of these symptoms, you should schedule a colonoscopy consultation right away. If you are symptom-free and holding off on screening because you dread getting a colonoscopy, at-home stool-based tests are another option, but there are some important things to consider.”

“A colonoscopy remains the gold standard for colorectal cancer screening for a reason,” says Dr. Morriss. “An at-home test can’t see inside your colon, and if the results are positive, a colonoscopy will be recommended anyway.”

Are colonoscopies covered?

While Medicare and most private insurance plans cover the costs of colorectal cancer screenings, you should ask your insurance company how much you should expect to pay out-of-pocket. Find out if the amount could change based on what’s found and removed during a colonoscopy, and if you choose an at-home stool-based test, ask what a colonoscopy following a positive (abnormal) result would cost.

“Some insurers consider a colonoscopy following a positive at-home result as diagnostic, not screening,” says Dr. Morriss, “and it may not be fully covered. It’s important to ask questions about your coverage ahead of time, but don’t let that delay your decision to get screened. Like with any cancer, the earlier it’s detected, the better.”  

Dr. Morriss provides routine screening colonoscopies for patients who are symptom-free and at average risk for colorectal cancer. Patients who are at increased risk, experiencing symptoms, or have a family history of colorectal cancer may be referred to a gastroenterologist for more specialized care.

Talk to your primary care provider to see if a screening colonoscopy is right for you. A referral is required. For more information, call the Allen County Regional Hospital Specialty Clinic at 620-365-1205 or Anderson County Hospital Specialty Clinic at 785-204.8002.

Megan Morriss, MD, is a board-certified general surgeon with Allen County Regional Hospital and Anderson County Hospital. Dr. Morriss has specialized training in laparoscopic surgery, gastrointestinal surgery, skin and soft tissue pathology, and hernia surgery. She is passionate about building a relationship with each patient to provide individualized recommendations every step of the way. Dr. Morriss sees patients at the Allen County Hospital Specialty Clinic and Anderson County Hospital Specialty Clinic and schedules procedures in Iola and Garnett.