On Call : Colorectal Cancer

Kiarra Pearcy and Ryan Rogers break down what you need to know about colorectal cancer and why it’s becoming a bigger conversation right now.They talk about the rise in younger diagnoses, with patients in their 30s already being affected, and why waiting until traditional screening ages can be risky. Current guidelines recommend screenings starting at 45, but earlier testing may be needed if you have a family history or other risk factors.The discussion covers what doctors are actually looking for during screenings, how polyps can develop and progress at different speeds, and why colonoscopies remain the most effective way to catch issues early. While at-home tests like Cologuard are better than nothing, they don’t replace a full exam.They also dive into prevention, including the impact of diet, processed foods, red meat, and overall lifestyle. Factors like inactivity, smoking, alcohol use, and obesity all play a role in increasing risk.Most importantly, they highlight warning signs you shouldn’t ignore, including blood in stool, changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, and ongoing discomfort.The message is simple: early detection saves lives. Screenings may be inconvenient, but they can prevent something far more serious.