The risk of ignoring gut health
By Jenny Peterson
When it comes to health, the stereotype that men don’t see their doctors enough may have merit — especially when it comes to gut health and colon issues.
With something as detectable, preventable and treatable as colon cancer, physicians say it’s critical not to delay care. That includes scheduling routine colonoscopies and speaking up early when symptoms appear, such as changes in bowel habits, unexplained abdominal pain or discovering blood in the stool.
“I’ve seen men who waited years,” said Dr. Derek Feussner, a GI physician at Palmetto GI. “I tell patients a colonoscopy is not all that different than what a dermatologist does. We’re just ‘dermatologists’ for the inside of your colon lining. We’re looking for abnormal growths and removing them before they become cancer, much like if it was detected that you had a funky mole on your arm.”
Why Colon Cancer Screening Matters
Those growths, known as polyps, are the primary precursors to colon cancer. The benefit of screening is that they can be detected and removed during that same colonoscopy procedure.
“If we remove those early, patients can put that concern in the rearview mirror,” Dr. Feussner said. “But ignoring symptoms until it reaches a stage where it is never going to go away completely could shorten your life.”
Beyond routine screening, Dr. Feussner said another concern is that many patients, especially men, normalize digestive symptoms. Persistent heartburn, abdominal discomfort and subtle bowel changes are often ignored.
“For whatever reason, cultural or otherwise, men tend to put these symptoms off,” Dr. Feussner said. “Any change in bowel habits after age 40 to 45 needs evaluation.”
National guidelines have shifted in response to rising colorectal cancer rates in younger adults. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends colonoscopies for adults age 45, down from age 50, and insurers typically cover these procedures. This change reflects a concerning trend: colorectal cancer rates in adults under 50 have been increasing by about three percent annually.
Today, colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death overall in the United States.
“Honestly, I think they’ll probably lower the guidelines to getting a colonoscopy to 40 years of age in the near future,” said Dr. Feussner.
Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
Warning signs for precancerous polyps include rectal bleeding, black or tarry stools, unexplained weight loss, persistent abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits, even subtle shifts. A person who has always been “regular” but suddenly becomes constipated or someone whose stools change consistency for weeks or months should be checked.
At specialty GI practices like Palmetto GI, patients can self-refer, eliminating a step to seeing a family physician first, making appointment times faster.
At modern GI clinics, colonoscopy preparation and recovery have improved significantly. Bowel prep solutions are easier to tolerate than in the past and patients are sedated with medications such as propofol, allowing for a short procedure and quick recovery.
“Almost everyone completely cruises through colonoscopies,” Dr. Feussner said. “You’re asleep the whole procedure and wake up feeling like a million bucks. You’ve cleaned out your system and you’re detoxed.”
While genetics play a role in colon polyps, lifestyle factors also influence risk. Studies have linked higher colorectal cancer risk to diets heavy in red and processed deli meats, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Limiting these items and increasing fiber through fruits, vegetables and whole grains can help promote a healthy colon.
Esophageal Cancer Risks
Esophageal cancer risk in men is significantly higher than in women — two to three times higher in men than in women — and is often linked to chronic acid reflux and indigestion.
Dr. Feussner notes that patients over 50 who have long-term heartburn, are overweight or use tobacco should schedule an upper endoscopy to rule out Barrett’s esophagus.
He says many men ignore reflux or abdominal symptoms for years, delaying care and increasing risk for serious disease that could otherwise be evaluated and treated earlier.
“When I see older people who say they’ve had acid reflux since they were 20 years old, I find that worrisome — that means they’ve had a problem for 10, 20 or 30 years. If you’ve had fluctuating abdominal pain and it’s been your ‘normal’ most of your life, see your GI physician,” said Dr. Feussner. “I see too many people ignore signs and put care on the back burner for years, and that’s to the detriment of their health.”
