‘Screening is the key’: Preventative tests are must with detecting colon cancer

TYLER, Texas (KLTV) - With colon cancer being the third most common cancer in men and women, one Tyler doctor is urging preventive screening to curtail the deadly disease.

“The leading cause of death among men under 50 that’s cancer-related is due to colon cancer,” said Dr. Ruchir Patel, a gastroenterologist at CHRISTUS Health. “It’s important to get screened.”

Patel said the disease can be asymptomatic, but common signs include blood in the stool, changes in stool habits, size or color, unintentional weight loss, new or unexplained anemia and abdominal or rectal pain.

While contributing factors like genetics, environmental triggers and lifestyle play a part, physical inactivity, obesity and consumption of certain foods — including processed meats and sugar-sweetened beverages — increase the risk.

“We do recommend that patients eat fruits, vegetables and whole grains and fiber to try to decrease their risk of colon cancer,” Patel said.

“There can be issues with unintentional weight loss, new or unexplained anemia, or abdominal or rectal pain, and it is preventable,” Patel said. “So screening is the key to detect it early and prevent it.”

For patients who cannot undergo a colonoscopy, Patel recommended alternative screening options, including an annual test to check for blood in the stool. A positive result on those tests requires a follow-up colonoscopy, he noted.