TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Health is wealth.
That’s the message local gastroenterologist Dr. Rajiv Sharma wants patients and the general public to take stock in during Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and throughout the year.
“Think of your colon like something you have to pay attention to in real time,” Dr. Sharma said. “People pay attention to their phones all the time, so just like that, pay attention to your colon because it’ll save your life.”
According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men and in women in the United States.
The ACS is expecting over 52,000 deaths from colorectal cancer this year, and Dr. Sharma said the disease affects roughly 150,000 Americans every year.
Dr. Sharma said the COVID-19 pandemic caused many postponed colonoscopies, something he fears will increase the number of people diagnosed with colorectal cancer.
“I fear that the number for 2022-2023 will be much higher,” Dr. Sharma said. “Pick up the phone now, call your primary care doctor. If you cannot talk to your primary care doctor, call your gastroenterologist right away, because a lot of times your gastro doctor can get you in faster than your primary care doctor. You may not need a referral, you can just walk in.”
Dr. Sharma said the initial colon screening is even more vital considering there are really no true “red flags” when it comes to issues with the colon.
Here are some symptoms to keep an eye on, according to the ACS website:
- A change in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of the stool, that lasts for more than a few days
- A feeling that you need to have a bowel movement that’s not relieved by having one
- Rectal bleeding with bright red blood
- Blood in the stool, which might make the stool look dark brown or black
- Cramping or abdominal (belly) pain
- Weakness and fatigue
- Unintended weight loss
Dr. Sharma said 45 is the “magic number” for people to keep in mind when it comes to colon health. At that age, people should be scheduling their first colonoscopy. For people with risk factors such as a family history or a high-risk diet, the conversation with a primary care doctor should start before 45.
Aside from delayed screenings due to the pandemic, Dr. Sharma said he’s also concerned about mental barriers for patients keeping them from scheduling a colon screening.
“Patients have to let go of the fear or embarrassment,” Dr. Sharma said. “If you get cancer or you get a disease or if, God forbid, you die, are you gonna take that risk?”
Dr. Sharma said any concern or hesitation a patient has can be solved with a simple conversation with a health care provider; a conversation that could save a life.
