Over the past 20 years, the medical community has identified an alarming trend. While cancer rates as a whole are decreasing, the risk for colorectal cancer is on the rise, particularly among younger adults.
Newly diagnosed cases of colorectal cancer in individuals under the age of 55 have nearly doubled, prompting the National Cancer Institute to recently identify colorectal cancer as the No. 1 cause of death in people ages 20-49.
This trend is already cause for concern, and follow-up studies reveal even more worrisome information: Those who are diagnosed at a younger age tend to experience more aggressive forms of colorectal cancer.
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths world-wide, accounting for nearly 1 million lives lost.
There are many theories as to why the number and severity of colorectal cancer cases are on the rise. Most point to factors we already know to be risky, including:
- Consuming high-calorie foods with low nutritional value;
- Excess intake of red meats, alcohol and highly processed foods;
- Tobacco use;
- Having a body mass index (BMI) over 30; and
- An overall lack of fiber, produce and exercise.
Additional environmental factors that may be of concern include:
- Pollutants;
- Microplastics; and
- Pesticides.
It seems unlikely that there is one single factor to blame — which can make prevention feel like an overwhelming task
However, there are some important steps people can take to reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer.
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, an opportunity to learn more about risk factors, ways to reduce risks and the importance of proactive colorectal cancer screenings.
The St. Christopher Fund’s (SCF) Get Preventative Screenings (GPS) program provides Class A CDL over-the-road semitruck drivers with free colorectal cancer screening kits to help these professional be proactive in their health and catch cancer early to improve outcomes.
Get Preventative Screenings (GPS)
The SCF’s Driven to be Healthy initiative offers an assortment of free health and wellness programs to Class A over-the-road CDL drivers to help navigate the process of developing healthier habits while on the road.
GPS is designed to support those whose profession of long-haul driving makes it difficult to get screenings. GPS currently includes screenings for the following:
- Prostate cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Cervical cancer.
With the introduction of second-generation colorectal cancer testing, these tests can be performed in the comfort of your own home or while driving over the road.
The colorectal cancer screenings offered by St. Christopher Fund are FDA-approved to assist in the diagnosis of colon and rectal cancer, diverticulitis, colitis, Crohn’s Disease and Irritable Bowel Disease/Irritable Bowel Syndrome through a simple fecal sample. Easy-to-read results are ready within five minutes.
Screen early, screen often.
Current recommendations for colorectal cancer screening, which are based on the more traditional colonoscopy screening, suggest screening at age 45.
However, because colorectal cancer is on the rise for younger adults, the SCF suggests screening early and often. Class A OTR drivers can request an annual FIT test starting at any age. For those with a first-degree family history (parent or sibling) of colorectal cancer, these annual screenings should begin 10 years prior to the age of the relative when the relative was first diagnosed.
While there are some unknown variables behind the recent increases in colorectal cancer, there is good news for the future of the disease: Long-term outcomes are improving, and more convenient proactive screenings give individuals the ability to catch cases earlier when recovery rates are at their highest.
Don’t ignore the early signs of colorectal cancer.
Early signs of colorectal cancer can be subtle, but they should not be ignored. Symptoms can include changes in bowel habits, such as:
- More frequent diarrhea;
- Constipation; or
- A sensation that the bowel doesn’t empty entirely about a bowel movement.
Symptoms can also be vague, such as a general feeling of abdominal discomfort from cramps, gas or bloating that doesn’t go away.
Blood in the stool is an important symptom to address, as is feeling weak or tired outside of the usual or unexplained weight loss. Any of these symptoms should be discussed with a doctor, as there are many possible causes.
Proactive cancer screenings before symptoms begin help support early detection. Early detection saves lives.
You can learn more about GPS and the many other health and wellness programs offered by SCF at truckersfund.org/healthwellness. Register for your free cancer screening kits at truckersfund.org/gps.
As the health and wellness manager for the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund, Lindsey Bryan has a passion for helping drivers manage their health. While she has always had a heart for helping others, she found her passion in health coaching while on her own health journey after being diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder and learning the impact that nutrition and exercise can make in the management of chronic health conditions.
Lindsey graduated from Brenau University with a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology. She’s spent the past decade working in various health and wellness fields including addiction counseling, social work, inpatient psychiatric rehabilitation and nutrition counseling.
Outside of work, Lindsey is an avid gardener and loves to hike the mountains of East Tennessee. When the weather doesn’t allow for outdoor adventures, you can find her crafting, baking and spending time with her husband, son and their dogs.
