Northern Michigan Colorectal Cancer Rate averages higher than rest of state
Munson Healthcare is reminding community members of the importance of routine colorectal screenings as part of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month this March.
Colorectal Cancer continues to remain a global health concern. Worldwide, Colon Cancer is the third most common cancer and second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. In Northern Michigan, colorectal cancer rates are 4-5 percent higher than the Michigan average. Additionally, research shows around 60 percent of cases north of US-10 are detected in late-stages, which significantly diminishes the chances of successful treatment and increases the risk of mortality.
“Patients today have multiple avenues for colorectal cancer screening, from stool‑based tests to imaging options,” said Ed Hagen, MD, Colorectal Surgeon at Munson Medical Center, which is accredited through the National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer (NAPRC). “However, a colonoscopy is still the most effective method because it allows us to both detect and remove precancerous or early cancerous polyps during the same procedure. For those with normal findings, the test usually only needs to be repeated every 10 years.”
According to The American Journal of Managed Care, colonoscopy screens have been shown to reduce colorectal cancer incidence by roughly 40 percent and cancer-related mortality by nearly 60 percent. This underscores the life-saving impact of early detection.
The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends that people at average risk for colorectal cancer begin routine screening at age 45, while those with a family history or certain genetic conditions should consult their primary care provider to determine whether earlier or more frequent screening is appropriate. Recent ACS findings show a concerning rise in colorectal cancer among adults under 65, with incidence increasing by 3 percent per year in adults ages 20–49 and 0.4 percent per year in adults ages 50–64. This upward trend is largely driven by cancers forming in the distal colon and rectum, reflecting a shifting disease pattern toward younger generations.
It is important for younger adults - especially those with family history - to be aware of symptoms that could indicate colorectal cancer, including:
- Changes in bowel habits which can include diarrhea, constipation, or a stool consistency changes lasting for more than a few days
- Rectal bleeding or blood in stool
- Persistent abdominal discomfort like cramps, gas, or pain that doesn't go away
- A feeling that your bowels don’t empty completely
- Weakness or fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
“The good news is that colorectal cancer remains one of the most preventable, treatable, and beatable cancers when caught early,” said Dr. Hagen. “Healthy lifestyle habits such as maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity, eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and limiting red meat and processed foods, not only reduces the risk of colorectal cancer but lowers the chance of heart attack or stroke as well.”
Avoiding smoking and limiting or eliminating alcohol consumption can further reduce risk. According to The American Cancer Society, smoking is linked to about 12 percent of colorectal cancer deaths, second only to alcohol consumption which increases the risk of developing colorectal cancer by 9 percent for light drinkers and up to 40 percent for people who have multiple drinks daily.
Munson Healthcare encourages all adults age 45 and older, or those with a family history of colon or rectal cancer, to talk to their primary care provider about colorectal cancer screening options.
For more information or help finding a doctor, visit munsonhealthcare.org.