22 research highlights from the past year
8 Symptoms Of Colon Polyps
"Not all colon polyps are cancerous but all colon cancer starts as a polyp which is why everyone needs to know about them and be screened regularly for them," says Fola May, MD, a gastroenterologist and associate professor of medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and the director of Fight Colorectal Cancer. "And colorectal cancer is the second-leading cancer killer of men and women combined."
Yikes! OK, we're listening…but what are polyps, exactly? Colon polyps are growths that occur on the inner lining of the large intestine (colon), or the rectum (which comprises the last six inches of the G.I. System before the body expels solid waste). Polyps vary in size and shape, ranging from small, flat bumps to larger, mushroom-shaped growths.
Polyps are quite common: It's estimated that 15% to 40% of adults have them, and people who have them generally have more than one," adds Dr. May.
Polyps can be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Only a percentage of polyps will become cancerous—and of those that do, they generally take years to turn cancerous.
One major problem? "Early polyps often look like a small pimple," Dr. Mays says—so small that if you had one, you almost certainly wouldn't know it. "You will most likely not be able to feel symptoms or see signs of a polyp," Dr. May says. "Most polyps and early-stage colorectal cancers do not cause symptoms that you can see or feel." The only way to diagnose and remove polyps is with a colonoscopy, which is why it's important to start getting cancer screens regularly starting at age 45.
"Since it is difficult to tell during colonoscopy which polyps have the potential to become cancerous, the goal of the procedure is to remove them all," she explains.
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Types of colon polypsThere are the three types of polyps:
Adenomatous polyps: These are the most common type and the most likely to become cancer. They may be described as tubular, villous, or tubulovillous polyp, which are the different growth patterns of the polyp.
Hyperplastic polyp and inflammatory polyp: These are common but usually not cancerous. If yours is rather large, your doctor may recommend getting a colonoscopy more often than the standard every 10 years.
Sessile serrated polyps and traditional serrated adenomas: These have a higher risk of being cancerous. Sessile are broad and flat polyps, while serrated polyps have a "saw-tooth" appearance.
Dr. May emphasizes that most people experience no symptoms of polyps, especially at the early stages—but adds that as they grow larger, they may cause some symptoms. If you experience any of these symptoms they may indicate colon polyps, colorectal cancer, or some other gastrointestinal issue and they warrant a call to your doctor.
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Blood in your stool or rectal bleedingIf you see bright red blood in your poop, in the toilet after defecating, or on the toilet paper after wiping, it may be bleeding from an irritated polyp. This is the most common symptom of larger colon polyps.
Have Blood In Your Stool? Here's What It Could Mean
AnemiaPolyps, particularly those that have gotten large, can cause bleeding. Over time this blood loss can lead to anemia, or a low red blood cell count. You may feel tired, or your doctor may notice it in a routine blood test.
10 Silent Symptoms of Anemia You Shouldn't Ignore
New diarrhea or constipationAny new changes in bowel movements that last longer than a week are cause for concern, says Dr. May. These can include diarrhea or constipation or a change in the consistency and shape of the stool. "Pencil shaped stool—long, narrow poop—is a sign of colorectal cancer, especially if it happens suddenly," she says.
Here's How Often You Should Have a Bowel Movement, Says a Gastroenterologist
Unexplained weight lossLosing weight without trying is one of the hallmark signs that colon polyps have progressed into later-stage colorectal cancer. As they grow larger, they can block nutrient absorption in the colon, causing unexplained weight loss.
20 Reasons Unexpected Weight Loss Could Be a Serious Problem
Abdominal pain or discomfortOn its own, this symptom can have many causes...But if you feel consistent cramping or pain in your abdomen along with other symptoms on this list, it may indicate colon polyps. This can range from mild discomfort to severe pain.
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Fatigue and weaknessAnemia brought on by polyps often causes fatigue, exhaustion, and a feeling of overall weakness. If you experience this symptom along with others on this list—particularly rectal bleeding—call your doc right away.
Shortness of breathFeeling always out of breath or like you can't catch your breath during normal activities is another side effect of the anemia due to blood loss.
7 Home Remedies to Combat Shortness of Breath
You can't feel themThere is a common myth that if the polyp gets large you will be able to feel it either through palpitating your stomach area or by inserting your fingers into your rectum. This isn't true, and you won't be able to feel polyps from the outside, says Dr. May.
If you do feel a lump it's more likely to be a hernia, hemorrhoids, or your normal internal organs. (This is more of a non-symptom—but the myth is so common we wanted to include it here!)
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The post 8 Symptoms of Colon Polyps appeared first on The Healthy.
Colon Cancer Is Increasing In Younger Adults. Here Are 4 Signs To Look Out For
In recent years, colorectal cancer has nearly doubled among young adults. Researchers are currently exploring the reasons for this increased risk.
According to a recent study, published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, four signs and symptoms have been linked to a heightened risk of early-onset colorectal cancer among younger adults. Early onset is defined as being diagnosed with cancer before age 50.
"We want younger adults to be aware of and act on these potentially very telling signs and symptoms — particularly because people under 50 are considered to be at low risk, and they don't receive routine colorectal cancer screening," senior study author Yin Cao, ScD, MPH, an associate professor of surgery in the Public Health Sciences Division, and a research member of Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine, said in a statement.
The incidence of colon and rectal cancer in people under 55 has almost doubled over the past 20 years from 11% to 20%.
Risk factors associated with the increasing incidence of colon cancer among younger adults include:
Colon cancer is also more common in males than females.
In addition, racial and ethnic disparities in developing colorectal cancer exist. Individuals of Black American, Native American, and Alaskan Native American descent face a higher risk of disease incidence and mortality.
For the study, researchers examined the health insurance data of more than 5,000 patients with early-onset colorectal cancer.
They discovered four key signs and symptoms in subjects younger than 50 years old between three months and two years before their diagnosis:
The researchers also found that having one of the symptoms nearly doubled the risk of developing colon cancer. Two symptoms increased the risk by more than 3.5 times and having three or more increased the risk by more than 6.5 times.
Dr. Tracey Childs, board certified in general and colorectal surgery and vice chair of surgery at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, CA, told Medical News Today:
"Symptoms (subjective experiences) and signs (objective findings) could be an indication of polyps or colon and rectal cancer which should not be ignored if experienced and persist."
Other symptoms of early-onset colon cancer may include a significant change in bowel habits (i.E., difficulty passing stool or passing small or narrow stools) or unexplained weight loss.
While the study findings provide compelling insight into early-onset colon cancer, additional research in young adults is needed to support the findings.
Dr. Austin Chiang, MPH, triple board-certified gastroenterologist and advanced endoscopist and assistant professor of medicine at Jefferson Health in Philadelphia, PA, told MNT the reasons why colon cancer rates are increasing among younger adults are not fully understood.
"While some factors, including environmental contributions and obesity, have been suggested, these alone do not appear to fully account for the significant impact we are witnessing. Further research is required to gain a comprehensive understanding of the complex interplay of factors contributing to this concerning trend."
Dr. Austin Chiang, MPH, triple board-certified gastroenterologist and advanced endoscopist
Dr. Misagh Karimi, a medical oncologist specializing in gastrointestinal cancers at City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center in Irvine, CA, noted to MNT that a matched case-control study can have its limitations.
"This study tests a hypothesis around the link between specific symptoms and outcome, but an association does not always mean that having these symptoms indicates an increased risk of early-onset colorectal cancer," Dr. Karimi said.
A person's health status, diet, or lifestyle may play a role in their risk of developing colon and rectal cancer. These risk factors may include:
Dr. Childs cited other risk factors for developing colorectal cancer that may determine whether a person receives earlier screening. These include:
Younger and older adults alike concerned about developing colon cancer can take action to minimize their risk.
Colon screeningColon cancer screening starting around age 45 is essential to early detection and prevention.
Dr. Karimi explained that polyps containing cancer cells could remain in the colon wall for not just months but for years. Some people with colorectal cancer may not always exhibit symptoms, or their symptoms may resemble other gastrointestinal issues.
"We know that once severe symptoms arise, the cancer has usually progressed to a more advanced stage. This is one of many reasons why people should know their family medical history and tell their physician if something feels wrong. If the symptoms might be caused by colorectal cancer, there are screening tests that can [be] done to find the cause."
– Dr. Misagah Karimi, medical oncologist
In high-risk populations, colon screening involves a colonoscopy or CT colonography (a virtual colonoscopy done with a CT scan), Dr. Childs explained.
Average-risk populations may also receive a colonoscopy or CT colonography, or start with a stool test screening, which may lead to a recommendation for a colonoscopy.
In addition, individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer may choose to receive screening 10 years before the age of the family member's cancer diagnosis.
Genetic screeningDr. Childs noted that around one-third of colon cancers in younger people are associated with a genetic predisposition or genetic mutation. She recommends genetic screening for individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer in a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, or child).
Genetic screening for colon and rectal cancer involves a simple blood test that can identify the genetic mutation and other malignancies.
Healthy diet and exerciseIn addition to following recommended screening guidelines, experts recommend:
"The majority of people with colorectal cancer do not have inherited conditions that signal higher risk," Dr. Karimi said.
"For most people, making healthy lifestyle choices and getting screened as their physician recommends are the most important things they can do to lower their risk of colorectal cancer."
A Mom Spent 2 Years Taking Care Of Her Sick Daughter. She Thought She Was Just Stressed But Then Discovered She Had Stage 4 Colon Cancer And Died.
© Provided by INSIDER Aly Anderson and her family Courtesy of the Anderson family In March 2020, Allison Fadden's childhood friend, Aly Anderson, came to Seattle to take her daughter to an appointment at a hospital in the city.
While the two friends caught up over lunch, Anderson said she hadn't been feeling well lately.
"She said she thought she had an ulcer because she'd been having stomach pain," Fadden said. "But she thought it was all stress-related."
Anderson had been under incredible stress after two years of trying to keep her baby alive. Her third child, Lila, had been born in 2018 with a congenital heart condition. As doctors at Seattle Children' Hospital did everything they could to save Lila's life, Anderson tried to take care of her newborn baby and her two other children. She had worked as a barista and yoga instructor, but she had to stop working to take care of her family during a tumultuous time.
She didn't have insurance, so she couldn't be seen by doctors"She was exhausted and stressed," Fadden said. Concerned about her friend, she asked if Anderson had seen a doctor about the stomach pains.
"She said she didn't have health insurance — that it was really expensive," recalled Fadden.
Although Anderson's husband and children had private insurance, when she stopped working to take care of Lila's health needs, she was no longer insured for medical treatment. Since she was young and healthy, she opted out of her husband's insurance to save money.
"She figured she would be the last person who would need insurance," Fadden said. "I think her own health was on the back burner."
Taylor Stonack, another of Anderson's friends, described her symptoms as severe stomach pain, vomiting a lot, and loss of appetite. "We all thought it was just stress," Stonack said.
She was diagnosed with colon cancerTwo months later, in May 2020, Aly phoned Allison to say she was throwing up from what she believed to be an ulcer and that she was getting her husband to take her to the hospital.
After running scans, the doctors delivered the frightening news. Aly had cancer. Following more scans, doctors diagnosed her with Stage 4 colon cancer.
© Courtesy of Anderson family Aly Anderson (far right) and her friends Courtesy of Anderson family Colon cancer, which starts in the colon, typically as a polyp or growth on the inner lining of the colon, is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the US and the second most common cause of cancer deaths among men and women.
Symptoms may include a change in bowel habits, pressure in the bowels, bleeding during bowel movements, stomach cramping, and unexplained weight loss.
"Unfortunately, many of these symptoms can be attributed to a host of other reasons or diseases, so we are always looking for what's abnormal," said Shanel Bhagwandin, Medical Director of the Gastrointestinal Surgical Oncology Program and Vice Chief of Surgery at Jupiter Medical Center. "Often, colorectal cancers don't have many or any symptoms until it has grown or spread which is why it is highly recommended that you know your personal risk factors for colorectal cancers and when you should start screening with a colonoscopy. Removing pre-cancerous growths is one of the best ways to ensure the disease does not develop," Bhagwandin said.
Bhagwandin said the best thing a person can do to remove much of the risk of colon cancer progressing is to get a colonoscopy.
"While it isn't something anyone wants to do, the main message is that we highly recommend colonoscopies as a screening tool to detect colorectal cancers," Bhagwandin said. "They can save lives."
Stonack doesn't think that having insurance would've changed anything in Aly's story. "Insurance is a luxury for many, but with the screening age for colon cancer being 45, we aren't sure that it would have made a difference, and it didn't run in Aly's family where they could have advocated for earlier screening," Stonack said.
She died in 2023"She fought like hell," said Fadden about her friend Aly. "She had 56 rounds of chemo over three years."
After battling with the state and insurance companies to get her own treatment and care for three years, Aly died at the beginning of March 2023.
Stonack added, "Aly's biggest wish from this is to help others by advocating for yourself for early screening or to just schedule your Colon Screening the day you turn 45."
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