Colorectal Cancer Screening: Why Early Detection Saves Lives

Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable cancers—when caught early. Yet, screening rates remain too low, and cases in younger adults are rising at an alarming rate. Disparities in access to screening also put certain communities at higher risk, making awareness and early detection more critical than ever. In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Reezwana Chowdhury, a leading gastroenterologist at Johns Hopkins and Chair of the American College of Gastroenterology’s (ACG) Public Relations Committee. She’s also a dedicated advocate for improving awareness in the South Asian community through her work with the South Asian IBD Alliance (SAIA). We cover: Who should get screened and when The rise in early-onset colorectal cancer The connection between IBD and colorectal cancer risk How screening can save your life This episode is presented in collaboration with the American College of Gastroenterology’s Patient Care Committee. 00:00 Introduction 01:43 When and why should I get screened for colorectal cancer? 06:14 What are the screening options for colorectal cancer? 08:38 What is causing increase in young-onset colorectal cancer? 09:03 When should I get screened for colorectal cancer? 10:12 Signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer? 12:07 What do younger adults need to know about colorectal cancer? 14:04 Addressing underserved populations and barriers to colorectal cancer screening 17:37 Importance of knowing your family health history 19:49 Role of community in CRC awareness 20:28 Dr. Chowdhury work with South Asian IBD Alliance (SAIA) 22:28 IBD and Increased Risk for Colorectal Cancer 27:26 Key Takeaways About the Gastro Girl Podcast In each episode, host Jacqueline Gaulin, podcast creator, longtime patient advocate and the Founder of Gastro Girl, will tackle topics that go beyond the basic mainstream coverage of GI health to educate, inform and empower patients and their caregivers. If you crave the inside scoop on the latest news, research and resources related to gastroenterology, and want it all delivered in an engaging, friendly, nonjudgmental and educational way that features leading GI experts, inspiring patients and positive vibes, this podcast is also for you. Gastro Girl, an official patient-education partner of The American College of Gastroenterology, is committed to providing actionable and evidence-based health information to help empower patients to better health. Have a question or a digestive health-related topic you'd like us to address on an upcoming episode? Are you a patient who wants to share their story? Please email us [email protected]   Looking for expert-backed digestive health support? The Ask Gastro Girl App is your trusted AI-powered companion, offering quick answers, symptom tracking, personalized nutrition plans, and more. Download now to take charge of your gut health: https://gastrogirl.com/ask-gg-app/ Disclaimer: The sole purpose of the Gastro Girl podcast is to provide educational and informational content. Gastro Girl, Inc., American College of Gastroenterology, The Gastro Girl Podcast, host, Jacqueline Gaulin, and any and all guests appearing on any Gastro Girl podcast episode [Collectively the Service Provider] do not provide any medical advice and the Information will not be so construed or used as medical advice. Using, accessing and/or listening to the Gastro Girl Podcast and/or providing personal or medical information to the Service Provider does not create a clinician-patient relationship between the Service Provider and you or your patients. Nothing contained in this or any Gastro Girl Podcast episode is intended to create a clinician-patient relationship, and you will not rely on anything contained in any podcast episode in diagnosing or treating yourself or anyone else. THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THESE PODCAST EPISODES IS PROVIDED FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NO WAY INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE, CURE OR TREAT ANY MEDICAL OR OTHER CONDITION. PLEASE CONTACT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER WITH ANY QUESTIONS RELATED TO YOUR HEALTH AND WELLBEING. If YOU ARE EXPERIENCING A HEALTH Emergency Please CALL 911