Community Health: Colorectal Cancer Awareness

Host Janet Michael sits down with Dr. Michael Avery, board-certified general surgeon, Colorectal surgery specialist with Valley Health Surgical Oncology at Winchester Medical Center  to discuss colorectal cancer — why awareness matters, who's at risk, how to screen, and how far treatment has come. Dr. Avery brings both personal backstory and clinical expertise to a conversation that could save your life. About Dr. Avery Originally from Charlotte, NC; discovered medicine through a hospital internship Completed undergrad at East Carolina University, medical school at Campbell University General surgery residency at Carolinas Medical Center; colorectal fellowship at UT Southwestern in Dallas Now practicing at Valley Health Surgical Oncology, Winchester Medical Center Colorectal Cancer by the Numbers 3rd most commonly diagnosed cancer in men and women 2nd leading cause of cancer death 150,000+ diagnoses in 2023; approximately 50,000 deaths Nearly half of cases are linked to modifiable risk factors Screening: What You Need to Know Screening should begin at age 45 for average-risk individuals (lowered from 50) If a first-degree relative was diagnosed, begin screening 10 years before their diagnosis age Gold standard: Colonoscopy — both diagnostic and therapeutic in one procedure Alternative options: Cologuard (DNA stool test, ~94–95% sensitivity), CT colonography A positive Cologuard result requires follow-up colonoscopy Colonoscopy prep and sedation have improved significantly — most patients feel comfortable and remember nothing Warning Signs & Symptoms Rectal bleeding (hematochezia) Abdominal pain Changes in bowel habits (constipation or diarrhea) Iron deficiency anemia Unintentional weight loss Blood mixed in stool Note: Do not dismiss these symptoms at any age — young-onset colorectal cancer is rising Risk Factors Non-modifiable: Family history, inflammatory bowel disease, genetics Modifiable: Sedentary lifestyle, obesity, diet high in processed meats/red meats/refined grains/sugar-sweetened beverages, smoking, excess alcohol Consuming 2+ sugar-sweetened beverages per day associated with nearly 2x increased risk Who's Most at Risk Men are more prone than women and have higher mortality rates African American men face a disproportionately higher risk and younger onset Young-onset colorectal cancer is increasingly left-sided and rectal, which can be more life-altering Advances in Treatment Minimally invasive surgery: hospital stays now typically 1–3 days Total neoadjuvant therapy for rectal cancer — organ preservation approach ("watch and wait") to potentially avoid surgery Targeted therapies and immunotherapies showing remarkable response rates for certain genetic profiles (e.g., work from Memorial Sloan Kettering) Early-stage colon cancer has an 85–90% five-year survival rate Key Takeaways Colorectal cancer is largely preventable and highly treatable when caught early. Get screened at 45 — or earlier if you have a family history. Don't ignore symptoms — rectal bleeding and bowel changes deserve prompt evaluation. A colonoscopy is the gold standard: one test, one time, can both find and fix the problem. Treatment today looks nothing like it did for your grandparents' generation. Resources & Next Steps Talk to your primary care physician about scheduling a colonoscopy or Cologuard test Contact Valley Health Surgical Oncology at Winchester Medical Center to learn more about colorectal cancer screening and treatment Learn more at valleyhealthlink.com