MONROE, La. (KTVE / KARD)–There is new data out that may have an impact on your health. If you are under age 50 colorectal cancer probably isn’t on your radar, but experts say there is a good chance that it should be.
Dr. Brittany Clark is an experienced internal medicine physician at St. Francis who has some startling news about colorectal cancer. Once considered a disease of older age it’s rising at an alarming rate in people under 50 and is now the leading cause of death among young adults.
The importance of screening is immense, right? Our goal in primary care prevention is to see something down the line and prevent it. So if we can keep the train from skipping the tracks, we do that.
Dr. Brittany Clark, internal medicine, St. Francis Jackson Street Clinic, Monroe
Dr. Clark says that colorectal cancer is showing up in younger patients due to a diet high in ultra-processed foods and family history. So, that information might affect decisions about of getting a colon screening prior to age 45.
She says if a close family member had colon cancer at age 45 they recommend getting screened now at age 35. She says that tissue is the issue in the form of polyps on the intestinal lining, so during the procedure they would be removed and tested for the presence of cancer. But the good news is the procedure is often only prescribed once every ten years when no problems are found.
Testing a sample using Cologuard or a blood-based test are other non-invasive ways to screen, but if an issue is found a colonoscopy would be recommended. She says that building healthy habits at a young age is important.
Making sure we have a balanced diet, making sure that we’re trying to have some daily movement in focusing on fruits, vegetables, clean foods. Our water intake is crucially important.
Dr. Brittany Clark, internal medicine, St. Francis Jackson Street Clinic, Monroe
Dr. Clark says that answering ‘the why’ for patients to inspire them to live better and longer is her God-given purpose on the earth.
The things that may feel uncomfortable or that they are uncertain about align with what their ultimate goal is, which is health to be around for the people that they love and have experiences. Then we’re able to come together and make the right decision for each person.
Dr. Brittany Clark, internal medicine, St. Francis Jackson Street Clinic, Monroe
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