March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and Siteman Cancer Center is getting the word out with help from Washington University Gastroenterologist at Siteman Cancer Center Dr. Jean Wang.
Wash U offers a free colon cancer test called a FIT (Fecal Immunochemical Test) kit. It’s a noninvasive stool screening test that can be done at home. Experts recommend that everyone ages 45 and up and sometimes younger should be screened.
“American Cancer Society shows that African Americans are about 20% more likely to get colorectal cancer and about 40% more likely to die from it than most other groups in the U.S. The sooner cancer is caught, the more likely a patient will experience a full recovery.”
Data from the American Cancer Society show that African Americans are about 20% more likely to get colorectal cancer and about 40% more likely to die from it than most other groups in the U.S.
Chadwick Boseman, best known for his role as Black Panther, was claimed by colon cancer in August 2020 at age 43, and Brazilian soccer icon Pele, died that year at 82. Other Black celebrities who succumbed to colon cancer include Eartha Kitt, and Natalie Desselle-Reid.
St. Louis American: Why is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month so important?
Dr. Wang: Every March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, a great opportunity to bring attention to this deadly cancer. This is especially important because during the rest of the year, you often don’t hear about colorectal cancer as much as you do other cancers, such as breast and prostate cancers. However, many people may not realize how common colorectal cancer is – it’s the 3rd most common cancer in the U.S. in men and women. The good news is that it is also one of the most preventable and treatable cancers.
St. Louis American: What is the free FIT test?
Dr. Wang: We recommend that everyone get a screening test to check for colorectal cancer starting at age 45. There are several options to screen or check yourself for signs of colorectal cancer, and the FIT test is a great option. Siteman Cancer Center is currently offering free FIT tests to the community. You can request a free FIT test by scanning the QR code or calling 314-286-0507.
St. Louis American: Why is getting a FIT test so important?
Dr. Wang: The FIT test is a simple stool test you can do at home once a year. It takes only a few minutes and involves getting a small sample of your stool and sending it to the lab. The FIT test comes as a kit with everything you need, including a stool collection container and a self-addressed stamped envelope to mail to the lab. If the FIT test result is normal, then you just have to repeat it once a year. If the FIT test result is abnormal, you will need a colonoscopy for follow-up. A colonoscopy can check for colorectal cancer as well as precancerous growths (called polyps) that are benign but can turn into cancer if they are not removed. During a colonoscopy, we can remove these precancerous polyps and, therefore, prevent colorectal cancer.
St. Louis American: African Americans are about 20% more likely to get colorectal cancer and about 40% more likely to die from it than most other groups in the U.S. Why is there such a gap?
Dr. Wang: The gap is most likely due to differences in screening rates. African Americans don’t get screened for colorectal cancer as often as other races and, as a result, are more likely to get colorectal cancer and die from it. Many people don’t realize that by getting a colorectal cancer screening test done, like the FIT test, we can prevent cancer or find cancer early while it is curable — and after treatment, you can go on to live a normal, healthy life.
St. Louis American: What steps can be taken to close this health disparity?
Dr. Wang: The more we can educate people about colorectal cancer and how to prevent it with screening tests like the FIT test, the more we can help close this disparity. I have heard some people say that if they have cancer, they will rather not know. However, they don’t realize that the earlier you find out you have colorectal cancer, the better chance you have of being able to cure it. Everyone between the ages of 45 and 75 years old should be getting screened for colorectal cancer, and the FIT test is a great option to do this. If everyone in this age range were to get screened, it would close the health disparity.
St. Louis American: What are your recommendations for encouraging more individuals to get the FIT test?
Dr. Wang: FIT tests can save your life. I have seen many people who come in for colonoscopy after having an abnormal FIT test, and we end up finding a large precancerous growth (polyp) that would have turned into a cancer within a few years. These people had no symptoms and were feeling well. However, because they got a FIT test showing abnormal results and then had a follow-up colonoscopy, we could remove the polyp during the colonoscopy and prevent them from getting colorectal cancer. The more we can talk to each other about the FIT test, the better. People in the community who have gone through the FIT test should talk to their friends and family to encourage them to do it, too, since it is such a fast and easy test to do that could save your life.
St. Louis American: What are some of the symptoms or signs of colorectal cancer?Dr. Wang: It is important to realize that early colorectal cancer often does not have any symptoms at all. That is why it is so important to get a screening test like the FIT test, even if you are feeling well and do not have any symptoms. At later stages of colorectal cancer, symptoms or signs can include blood in the stool, weight loss when you weren’t trying to lose weight, abdominal pain that doesn’t go away, and changes in bowel movements. If you have any of these symptoms at any age (even if you are under age 45), it is important to be seen by a doctor and get a colonoscopy to make sure you do not have colorectal cancer.