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HPV stands for human papillomavirus. HPV is a group of more than 200 related viruses. About 40 kinds can infect your genital area — your vulva, vagina, cervix, rectum or anus — as well as your mouth and throat. These kinds of HPV are spread during sexual contact. (Other types of HPV cause common warts like hand warts and plantar warts on the feet — but these aren’t sexually transmitted.)
Genital HPV infections are very, very common. In fact, most people who have sex get the HPV at some point in their lives. Most people with HPV have no symptoms and feel totally fine, so they usually don’t even know they’re infected.
Sexually transmitted HPV types fall into two groups, low risk and high risk. Low-risk HPVs mostly cause no disease. However, a few low-risk HPV types can cause warts on or around the genitals, anus, mouth, or throat. High-risk HPVs can cause several types of cancer. There are about 14 high-risk HPV types. Two of these, HPV16 and HPV18, are responsible for most HPV-related cancers.
You can get HPV by having vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the virus. It is most commonly spread during vaginal or anal sex. It also spreads through close skin-to-skin touching during sex. A person with HPV can pass the infection to someone even when they have no signs or symptoms.
If you are sexually active, you can get HPV, even if you have had sex with only one person. You also can develop symptoms years after having sex with someone who has the infection. This makes it hard to know when you first got it.
Testing for HPV occurs as part of cervical cancer screening. If you test positive, you may need further tests and/or treatment to monitor you more closely and treat abnormal cells. This could include:
Colposcopy — a procedure to look more closely at the cervix to see if there are precancerous cells
LEEP or Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure — a treatment to remove precancerous cells from the cervix with an electrical current.
If you haven’t been vaccinated, you should consider the HPV vaccine which goes by the name Gardasil 9. It can protect against strains of the virus that you have not come in contact with. Recent studies also suggest that vaccination helps prevent against reinfection.
The HPV vaccine is given in a series of shots. For people ages 15-45, the HPV vaccine is 3 separate shots. The second shot is given 2 months after the first, and the third shot is given 4 months after the second shot. So, in all, it takes about 6 months to get all 3 shots. Please reach out with questions.
Schedule* an Initial Fertility Consult (covered by your insurance) with our Gynecologist Dr. Faust-Rakos HERE!
*Dr. Faust-Rakos will further talk to you about this and order any necessary tests, and then you will be scheduled in our office with Dr. Wheeler.
Understanding Ovulation and Fertility
Welcome to “Ovulation and Fertility 101,” where we will review ovulation and fertility, from the different phases in your monthly cycle to your fertile window, to predicting ovulation, to your lifestyle’s impact on your chances of becoming pregnant and more.
First thing’s first: the math behind your cycle.
Your monthly cycle begins on the first day of your period and ends when the next period begins, generally lasting between 24 and 28 days, but shorter or longer than that can also be normal. For some women, the length from cycle to cycle varies and may change as they get older, which is usually nothing to worry about. Most girls start having their period when they’re between 12-13 (the onset of the period is called the menarche). Women typically stop having their periods at an average age of 51, which is menopause. The menopausal transition typically takes a few years and is different for everyone.
Understanding Your Monthly Cycle & Ovulation
As you already know, your monthly cycle is about more than just menstruation. It’s many different processes that work together, involving your brain, ovaries and uterus communicating through hormones to essentially prepare your body for pregnancy. Read on for a step-by-step breakdown of what happens during your cycle:
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- Menstruation (Uterine Cycle): Everything starts with your period, which is essentially your body shedding off blood and tissue from inside your uterus (‘the lining’) through your vagina. An average period lasts between 4-6 days. This shedding happens because pregnancy did not occur, and the blood and tissue are not necessary to support a growing embryo, fetus and baby – until the next cycle when this happens all over again.
- Follicular phase (First Half of the Cycle): While your uterus is busy getting rid of last month’s tissue, your ovaries are beginning to prepare for this month’s ovulation. The pituitary gland, a hormone-producing area inside your brain, kicks this process off by releasing follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). This hormone tells your ovaries that it’s time to prepare an egg for ovulation (release one egg from either one of your two ovaries). Both ovaries are filled with sacs (‘follicles’) containing one egg each, which are now all beginning to mature in a race to see which one will become the dominant follicle. A few days after your period ends, the largest follicle (the “dominant” follicle) will prepare to rupture so it can release the egg at ovulation. This follicle is now producing an increasing amount of estrogen, with peak levels right before ovulation. On average, this phase lasts 10-22 days.
- Proliferative Phase (Uterine Cycle): Another name for the follicular phase, this time describing what is happening in the uterus. In the days between the end of your period until ovulation, your uterus is rebuilding the thick inner lining that it shed while you were menstruating. This process occurs because of the rising levels of estrogen produced by the dominant follicle, and is meant to prepare your uterus for “housing” an embryo.
- Ovulation: About midway through your cycle – again, variations are normal – an egg is released from one ovary into the fallopian tube. This happens thanks to high estrogen levels that instruct the brain to release luteinizing hormone (LH), which is what triggers ovulation and the hormone measured in Ovulation Predictor Kits (OPKs). This hormone spikes 12-48 hours before ovulation. At this point, you’re about 13-15 days away from your next period.
- Luteal Phase (Second Half of the Cycle):
- After the egg has burst through the follicle and been released to travel into the fallopian tube, the dominant follicle that previously contained the egg transforms into a cyst (corpus luteum), which produces progesterone and estrogen.
- If the egg is fertilized, the progesterone also supports your pregnancy. If not, the cyst will break down, causing progesterone and estrogen levels to drop, inducing menstruation.
- Most women have a 12-14 day luteal phase.
- Secretory Phase (Uterine Cycle): Another name for the luteal phase, this time describing what is happening in the uterus. The lining of your uterus produces certain chemicals that will either support a pregnancy or help break down the tissue in preparation for your period (the phase gets its name from secreting chemicals).
Why Do I Have A 21-Day Menstrual Cycle? What Impacts the Length of My Cycle?
The length of the menstrual varies from woman to woman, with the average woman getting her period every 28 days. However, 21-40 day cycles can still be considered normal and healthy and can lead to successful pregnancies.
Some factors that may impact the length of your cycle are your age, genes, overall health, body mass index (BMI), your lifestyle, the use of birth control methods and stress. Given that most of your cycle is determined by your hormones, anything that can throw them off balance has the potential to impact the length of your cycle. This includes your diet, exercise, stress, jet lag, excessive alcohol consumption, the morning-after pill and other factors. Health conditions, such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), can also impact your cycle. Speak to your OB/GYN if you’re worried about your cycle or have noticed significant changes recently.
When Am I Most Fertile During My Cycle?
You’re most fertile in the three days leading up to and including ovulation. For many women, this ‘fertile window’ is typically 13-15 days away from the start of their next period. However, these numbers are unique to each woman, so it’s important to learn the length of your cycle and the time you normally ovulate before relying on averages that may not be helpful in your conception journey.
It’s unlikely to get pregnant right after your period, but sperm can sometimes survive in the body for up to seven days, so it is not impossible (sperm usually survive about five days)!
How Long After Ovulating Am I Fertile? What is the “Fertile Window”?
As mentioned earlier, a woman’s ovulation occurs about midway through her cycle, and an ovulated egg lives for 12-24 hours. Sperm have strong survival skills, allowing them to survive in the female body for about five days. This means you can get pregnant anywhere from five days before ovulation to a day after ovulation. This period is considered your fertile window. After this time, you can no longer get pregnant, as the egg is no longer alive and ready for fertilization.
How Do I Measure and Track My Ovulation?
There are a few ways you can track and predict ovulation – and increase your chances of becoming pregnant. If you came here to read about Ovulation Predictor Kits, skip to the next question!
One option is Ovulation Calculators/Calendars/Charts/Apps, which generally work best for women with very regular periods as they are based on the typical length of your menstrual cycle. You start by entering the date of the first day of your last period and the length of your regular cycle. It will then use an average number of days for the different phases of your monthly cycle that we outlined above (unless you provide more specific estimates). Based on this information, it will then predict ovulation and your fertile window.
Another way to track approaching ovulation is by monitoring the consistency of your cervical mucus. This requires you to look at and touch your vaginal discharge daily, just in case you don’t do this already. When your body is about to ovulate, and while it is ovulating, the mucus will transform into an egg-white-like consistency (called “Egg White Cervical Mucus” or EWCM) which is designed to help sperm travel from the vagina to the uterus.
Last but not least, you can monitor your Basal Body Temperature (BBT) to predict ovulation. Your BBT is your body’s temperature when you first wake up in the morning, or when you’re fully “at rest.” As you’re nearing ovulation, your BBT will increase, which you can track with special thermometers. You’re most fertile in the three days leading up to and including ovulation, so tracking your temperature will allow you to determine the best moment to have sex. Your body temperature varies throughout the day and is based on your activity level – if you want reliable measurements, you have to be consistent and take your temperature first thing every morning, which means this method isn’t for everyone. BBT can also vary based on your health level (if you’re sick, it will be off), the amount of sleep you get, the time you wake up and even the number of times in the night you get up to pee!
Other indicators for nearing ovulation are more difficult to track, including increased sexual desire, breast tenderness, and a change in the way your cervix is positioned (no, you don’t need an OB/GYN to monitor this). Still, women usually stick to OPKs, charting, EWCM and BBT.
Do Ovulation Predictor Kits Work? What Are Some Popular Ovulation Predictor Kits?
Yes, they work, and yes, you should get some! Ovulation Predictor Kits (OPKs) are a popular and easy way to monitor impending ovulation. They work by detecting luteinizing hormone (LH) in your urine, which is the hormone that tells your ovary to release an egg into the fallopian tube (i.e., to ovulate). OPKs detect the surge of LH in your body as you’re about to ovulate, which means you should be having sex for the next two-three days once you get a positive test result.
There are many kits on the market, and some also detect estrogen and progesterone in addition to LH, which may give you an earlier warning that ovulation is coming. The Clearblue Digital Ovulation Predict Kit is a popular option as it’s easy to read (a smiley face will tell you to have sex), and it is OB/GYN-recommended. Wondfo LH Ovulation Strips and Pre-mom Ovulation strips are also solid choices and very affordable compared to Clearblue. Ultimately, your choice comes down to convenience (easy-to-read), the hormones you want to track (LH, or LH + estrogen + progesterone) and cost.
*If you have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), you can have a high LH level throughout the cycle, which means these tests won’t work as well to predict when you’re about to ovulate, if it all, since PCOS can prevent ovulation entirely.
Does Weight Affect My Ovulation Cycle and Fertility? What About My Age?
Yes, research strongly suggests that excess weight, particularly abdominal fat, can cause hormonal imbalances, increasing the risk of irregular menstrual cycles and reducing fertility. A healthy diet and exercise that leads to weight loss and hormonal regulation can significantly improve the regularity of your menstrual cycle.
Age is one of the most significant factors affecting a woman’s chances of becoming pregnant. A woman is born with all the eggs she will ever have in her life and these eggs age with her, impacting quantity and quality as she gets older. A woman’s fertility will start a significant, yet slow, reduction in her early 30s, with a drop at 35 and an even bigger one at 37, decreasing annually. Once a woman is in her early 40s, her chances of conceiving either naturally or with In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is low, although multiple family building options still exist for women in their 40s.
Is Ovulation the Only Predictor of Fertility?
You cannot get pregnant naturally unless you ovulate. Still, even if you do ovulate, you may not get pregnant – this is why ovulation is only one of several fertility indicators. Others include the thickness of your uterine lining, the openness of your fallopian tubes, the health of your partner’s sperm and the quality of your eggs, to name a few.
Can I Ovulate Twice a Month?
Some very limited research suggests that women can ovulate more than once a month. However, this still needs to be confirmed by additional independent studies. You can certainly ovulate more than one egg at the same time (hello, fraternal twins), but this is still counted as one episode of ovulation.
Now that you have a better understanding of ovulation and fertility, you can start tracking your cycle and trying to conceive.
Just remember that every woman is different, cycles vary based on what’s happening in your life at the moment, and that pregnancy can take several months even when everything is working perfectly – when sex happens during ovulation in a healthy young couple, the chance of pregnancy each month is just 25 percent. If you’re under 35, you can try to conceive for up to a year before seeking help, whereas you should see a fertility doctor after six months of trying if you’re 35 or older.
Happy baby-making!
Schedule* an Initial Fertility Consult (covered by your insurance) with our Gynecologist Dr. Faust-Rakos HERE!
*Dr. Faust-Rakos will further talk to you about this and order any necessary tests, and then you will be scheduled in our office with Dr. Wheeler.
Can you tell the difference between flu vs. strep vs. COVID-19? Cold and flu season is in full swing, and COVID-19 cases are rising once again. Knowing what symptoms to look for when you first start feeling sick can help. Read on to learn the key factors to consider when determining which illness you have and what to do.
Strep vs. COVID-19 and Other Illnesses
Strep
Strep throat is a bacterial infection that can cause severe throat pain, swollen lymph nodes, fever and white patches on the tonsils. Strep will not typically include other cold and flu like symptoms, like a runny nose or cough. Strep throat can be specifically tested for and is easily treated with antibiotics. Antibiotics will help prevent a serious but rare problem called rheumatic fever and reduce the time you are contagious. About 10% of sore throats in adults are caused by strep.
COVID-19
COVID-19 is a viral illness caused by the novel coronavirus that produces many symptoms including Sore throat, runny nose, nasal congestion, persistent cough, and headache. If you are experiencing these symptoms – you can start with a home test. If this is negative, repeat the test 24 to 48 hours later. If your test is positive and you have risk factors for severe COVID, please contact us right away to schedule an appointment to discuss Paxlovid. Paxlovid must be started within 5 days of symptom onset.
Flu
The flu is another viral illness that is similar to the common cold but much more severe symptoms. Sometimes it can be hard to tell the difference because the flu affects your nose, throat, and lungs and has many of the same symptoms as a cold. The flu is commonly diagnosed with a rapid antigen or diagnostic test. Antivirals are available but they must be given within 2 days of symptom onset and only shorten symptoms by about 12-24 hours.
Sinus Infection
Many of the symptoms of a sinus infection are the same you’d experience with a bad cold. They include: postnasal drip (that thick mucus in the back of your throat), discolored nasal discharge (green, yellow or brownish mucous coming out of your nose), stuffy nose or nasal congestion and tenderness or pain in the face – usually under the eyes or around the nose. You can also have headaches, tooth pain, coughing from the post nasal drip, fever, fatigue, a bad smell in your nose or a bad taste in your mouth and bad breath. Most sinus infections are viral, however if your symptoms are lasting more than a week, please make an appointment as antibiotics may be necessary.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is a secondary infection in the lungs that can cause high fever, chest pain, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath and cough. It’s usually caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses like COVID-19. Pneumonia is usually diagnosed with a chest X-ray to look for inflammation in the lungs and is commonly treated with antibiotics.
How Can I Avoid Getting Sick?
You can help prevent illnesses by:
- Wearing a mask in public.
- Stay up to date with vaccinations
- Practicing good hygiene, using hand sanitizer with 60 percent alcohol, and disinfecting surfaces.
- Ensuring you’re taking good care of yourself and addressing any underlying conditions.
- Not touching your face, eyes, or mouth.
- Steering clear of anyone who is sick, whether it’s strep vs. COVID-19.
Whether you are just beginning to consider expanding your family, want to plan for the future through egg freezing, or have struggled with fertility issues for some time, it can be empowering to understand the impact that diet and healthy-weight can have on fertility outcomes.
Dietary patterns focused on plant-based and anti-inflammatory foods are associated with improved fertility [1]. For example, try filling at least half of your plate with fruits and vegetables, choose healthy monounsaturated fats instead of saturated and trans fats, and make at least half your grains whole.
Along with healthy eating, it is important to achieve and maintain a healthy weight. For women who are considered overweight or obese based on a BMI greater than or equal to 25, weight-loss may improve fertility. In addition to a balanced diet, moderate-intensity physical activity for at least 150 minutes per week can aid in meeting this goal.
For more information on foods for fertility and creating a personalized eating plan, schedule a visit with our Registered Dietitian and lactation consultant, Holly Murphy, MS, RD, LDN, IBCLC.
[1] Panth, N. et al. The Influence of Diet on Fertility and the Implications for Public Health Nutrition in the United States. Front Public Health. 2018. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2018.00211
Uterine Cancer is the most common gynecologic cancer in the United States. About 65,950 new cases of uterine cancer are diagnosed in the United States each year. The incidence and the mortality rate have been increasing since 2007. This rise in uterine cancer rates is attributed to the rise of obesity. Obesity is the leading risk factor for uterine cancer. It is most commonly diagnosed between the ages of 55 and 64.There are 2 main categories of uterine cancer. 97percent are endometrial cancers ( a cancer that forms in the lining, also called the endometrium ,of the uterus) and 3 percent are sarcomas. This article concentrates on the more common endometrial cancer.
Risk factors for the development of uterine cancer are influenced by hormones. Starting menstruation before the age of 12, never having a pregnancy or giving birth for the first time after the age of 30, and late menopause all expose the body to estrogen for a longer period of time and raise the risk for uterine cancer development. Lynch syndrome, also called hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) is an inherited disorder that can be passed from parent to child and is associated with a genetic predisposition to different cancer types including uterine cancer. Women who are positive for BRCA1 gene mutation are at a higher risk for uterine cancer.The use of Tamoxifen for breast cancer patient treatment has about a 1 in 500 risk , obesity (a BMI >30) and increasing age are all risks. Diabetes, chronic anovulation ( having four or less menstrual periods in a year before starting perimenopause), PCOS, and estrogen replacement therapy after menopause given without adequate progesterone,and diets such as a high glycemic index diet, high saturated fat intake, proinflammatory diets and high meat consumption are all risks for uterine cancer formation. A family history of uterine cancer increases the risk in 1st degree relatives.
Alcohol intake has no known risk for uterine cancer. Postmenopausal women who smoke cigarettes have a decreased risk of developing uterine cancer (although cigarettes contribute to formation of other cancers).The use of aspirin has been shown to decrease the risk of uterine cancer particularly in obese women. Pregnancy is protective, as is the use of contraceptives like progesterone containing IUDs and the use of oral contraceptive pills ( the longer you take the pill in your lifetime the greater the benefit with 4 years of pill taking cutting the risk of uterine cancer in half) . Tubal sterilization decreases the risk as well as maintaining a healthy weight and being physically active.
Common symptoms of uterine cancer are postmenopausal bleeding, bleeding between menstrual periods, and pelvic pain or pelvic pressure. There is no screening test for uterine cancer. Consult a gynecologist if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.
The diagnosis of uterine cancer occurs with a physical exam, pelvic ultrasound and a biopsy of the uterus ( endometrial biopsy).
Uterine cancer is treated in a number of different ways including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.
Everyone has heard of the “Morning-After Pill,” but there are actually a few options to prevent an unplanned pregnancy following unprotected intercourse or a contraception failure.
- PlanB One-Step is the most widely used pill. It delays ovulation which prevents sperm from coming into contact with an egg. It is not an abortion pill and will not affect an established pregnancy. It can be taken up to 5 days after intercourse, but should be taken as soon as possible. PlanB, if taken within 5 days, is 95% effective in preventing pregnancy. Plan B works best in women under 165 pounds. It can be purchased over-the-counter without a prescription but some insurance plans do cover it. We can send a prescription to your pharmacy without an appointment. Send a message through the Patient Portal if you require a prescription. You may experience some unexpected bleeding after taking PlanB, but that is normal.
- Ella (ulipristal) is also an emergency contraception pill that can be taken up to 5 days after unprotected intercourse and has the added benefit of making it more difficult for an egg to attach to the uterine wall. It is more effective than Plan B if you have to take it days 3-5 after unprotected intercourse and works better in women over 165 pounds. It is only available by prescription, which we can write without an appointment. Send a message through the Patient Portal if you require a prescription. You may experience some unexpected bleeding after taking Ella, but that is normal.
- The most effective form of emergency contraception is to insert the copper IUD (Paragard) within 5 days of unprotected intercourse. This has the added benefit of providing birth control for up to 10 years. The Paragard IUD requires approval from your insurance so contact them right away if this is the emergency contraception you desire.
All of these methods are safe and have been approved by the FDA. None of the emergency contraception options affect future fertility or the ability to carry a healthy pregnancy in the future.
*PlanB and Ella are less effective in women taking Tegretol and Topamax. Contact our office right away to discuss the Paragard should you need emergency contraception and are taking these medications.
If you’re one of the 50 million Americans who suffers from allergies, your symptoms may bloom when the seasons shift. Itchy, watery eyes, a tickly throat, and a stuffy, runny nose can make you dread spring. Seasonal allergies — also called hay fever and allergic rhinitis — can make you miserable. Try these simple strategies to keep seasonal allergies under control.
Reduce your exposure to allergy triggers
To reduce your exposure to the things that trigger your allergy signs and symptoms (allergens):
- Stay indoors on dry, windy days. The best time to go outside is after a good rain, which helps clear pollen from the air.
- Delegate sweeping, weed pulling and other outdoor chores that stir up allergens.
- Remove clothes you’ve worn outside and shower to rinse pollen from your skin and hair.
- Wear a mask if you do outside chores.
Take extra steps when pollen counts are high
Seasonal allergy signs and symptoms can flare up when there’s a lot of pollen in the air. These steps can help you reduce your exposure:
- Check for pollen forecasts and current pollen levels at pollen.com
- If high pollen counts are forecasted, start taking allergy medications before your symptoms start.
- Close doors and windows at night or any other time when pollen counts are high.
- Avoid outdoor activity in the early morning when pollen counts are highest.
Keep indoor air clean
There’s no miracle product that can eliminate all allergens from the air in your home, but these suggestions may help:
- Use the air conditioning in your house and car.
- If you have forced-air heating or air conditioning in your house, use high-efficiency filters and follow regular maintenance schedules.
- Keep indoor air dry with a dehumidifier.
- Use a portable high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter in your bedroom.
- Clean floors often with a vacuum cleaner that has a HEPA filter.
Try an over-the-counter remedy
Several types of nonprescription medications can help ease allergy symptoms. They include:
- Nasal sprays. The intranasal corticosteroids, Nasacort, Flonase, and Rhinocort, are the most effective OTC medications for the treatment of nasal allergy symptoms. A downside to them is that they will not work on an as-needed basis. Intranasal corticosteroids take time to work. They may begin to give relief to allergy symptoms after about six to 10 hours, but full relief may not be obtained for three to six weeks with daily use.
- Oral antihistamines. Antihistamines can help relieve sneezing, itching, a runny nose and watery eyes. Examples of oral antihistamines include loratadine (Claritin, Alavert), cetirizine (Zyrtec Allergy) and fexofenadine (Allegra Allergy).
- Decongestants. Oral decongestants such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed, Afrinol, others) can provide temporary relief from nasal stuffiness. Decongestants also come in nasal sprays, such as oxymetazoline (Afrin) and phenylephrine (Neo-Synephrine). Only use nasal decongestants for a few days in a row. Longer-term use of decongestant nasal sprays can actually worsen symptoms (rebound congestion).
- Combination medications. Some allergy medications combine an antihistamine with a decongestant. Examples include loratadine-pseudoephedrine (Claritin-D) and fexofenadine-pseudoephedrine (Allegra-D).
If these measures don’t work, please schedule an appointment.
Colorectal cancer is cancer of the colon or rectum. This year, more than 145,600 people will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer and more than 51,000 will die of the disease.
With certain types of screening, this cancer can be prevented by removing polyps (grape-like growths on the wall of the intestine) before they become cancerous. Several screening tests detect colorectal cancer early, when it can be more easily and successfully treated.
Colorectal cancer is linked to getting older. However, colorectal cancer in adults younger than 50 is on the rise. Even so, it’s seen more in people age 50 and over.
Other risk factors include having—
- Inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
- A personal or family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps.
- A genetic syndrome such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (Lynch syndrome).
Lifestyle factors that may contribute to an increased risk of colorectal cancer include—
- Lack of regular physical activity.
- A diet low in fruit and vegetables and whole grains.
- A diet high in red meat (such as beef, pork or lamb) or processed meat (such as bacon, sausage, hot dogs or cold cuts).
- Are overweight or obese, especially for those who carry fat around their waists.
- Excessive alcohol consumption.
- Smoking.
Colorectal polyps and colorectal cancer may not cause symptoms, especially at first. Someone could have polyps or colorectal cancer and not know it. That is why getting screened regularly for colorectal cancer is so important.
Symptoms, may include—
- Blood in or on your stool (bowel movement).
- Change in bowel movements.
- Stools that are more narrow than usual.
- Stomach pain, aches, bloating or cramps that don’t go away.
- Losing weight for no apparent reason.
- Feeling tired all the time.
- Vomiting.
If you have any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor. They may be caused by something other than cancer. The only way to know what is causing them is to see your doctor.
Almost all colorectal cancers begin as precancerous polyps (abnormal growths) in the colon or rectum. Such polyps can be present in the colon for years before invasive cancer develops. They may not cause any symptoms. Colorectal cancer screening can find precancerous polyps so they can be removed before they turn into cancer. In this way, colorectal cancer is prevented.
Screening can also find colorectal cancer early, when there is a greater chance that treatment will be more effective. Start screening at age 45 if you’re at an average risk, but if you have certain risk factors you may need to start screening sooner or get screened more often—talk to your health care professional. Continue screening to age 75 if you are in good health, with a life expectancy of 10 years or more. if you are ages 76-85, talk with your health care professional about whether to continue screening. After age 85, you should not get screened.
Screening Guidelines
| Stool DNA Test (sDNA)* | Every 3 years |
| Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT)* | Every year |
| High-sensitivity Fecal Occult Guaiac Test (gFOBT)* | Every year |
| Colonoscopy | Every 10 years |
| Flexible Sigmoidoscopy | Every 5 years |
| Virtual Colonoscopy* | Every 5 years |
*Follow up a positive test with a timely colonoscopy.
Research is underway to find out if changes to your diet can reduce your colorectal cancer risk. Researchers are studying the role of diet in preventing colorectal cancer, but much still needs to be understood. Generally, experts encourage eating lots of fruits, vegetables and whole grains and limiting red meat and avoiding processed meat for a healthy diet.
References:
American Cancer Society (ACS). (2019) “Cancer Facts & Figures”
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2019) “What Are the Risk Factors for Colorectal Cancer?”
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2019) “What Are the Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer?”
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March 31, 2026