Host Janet Michael sits down with Dr. Michael Avery, board-certified general surgeon, Colorectal surgery specialist with Valley Health Surgical Oncology at Winchester Medical Center to discuss colorectal cancer — why awareness matters, who's at risk, how to screen, and how far treatment has come. Dr. Avery brings both personal backstory and clinical expertise to a conversation that could save your life.

About Dr. Avery

Originally from Charlotte, NC; discovered medicine through a hospital internship
Completed undergrad at East Carolina University, medical school at Campbell University
General surgery residency at Carolinas Medical Center; colorectal fellowship at UT Southwestern in Dallas
Now practicing at Valley Health Surgical Oncology, Winchester Medical Center

Colorectal Cancer by the Numbers

3rd most commonly diagnosed cancer in men and women
2nd leading cause of cancer death
150,000+ diagnoses in 2023; approximately 50,000 deaths
Nearly half of cases are linked to modifiable risk factors

Screening: What You Need to Know

Screening should begin at age 45 for average-risk individuals (lowered from 50)
If a first-degree relative was diagnosed, begin screening 10 years before their diagnosis age
Gold standard: Colonoscopy — both diagnostic and therapeutic in one procedure
Alternative options: Cologuard (DNA stool test, ~94–95% sensitivity), CT colonography
A positive Cologuard result requires follow-up colonoscopy
Colonoscopy prep and sedation have improved significantly — most patients feel comfortable and remember nothing

Warning Signs & Symptoms

Rectal bleeding (hematochezia)
Abdominal pain
Changes in bowel habits (constipation or diarrhea)
Iron deficiency anemia
Unintentional weight loss
Blood mixed in stool
Note: Do not dismiss these symptoms at any age — young-onset colorectal cancer is rising

Risk Factors

Non-modifiable: Family history, inflammatory bowel disease, genetics
Modifiable: Sedentary lifestyle, obesity, diet high in processed meats/red meats/refined grains/sugar-sweetened beverages, smoking, excess alcohol
Consuming 2+ sugar-sweetened beverages per day associated with nearly 2x increased risk

Who's Most at Risk

Men are more prone than women and have higher mortality rates
African American men face a disproportionately higher risk and younger onset
Young-onset colorectal cancer is increasingly left-sided and rectal, which can be more life-altering

Advances in Treatment

Minimally invasive surgery: hospital stays now typically 1–3 days
Total neoadjuvant therapy for rectal cancer — organ preservation approach ("watch and wait") to potentially avoid surgery
Targeted therapies and immunotherapies showing remarkable response rates for certain genetic profiles (e.g., work from Memorial Sloan Kettering)
Early-stage colon cancer has an 85–90% five-year survival rate

Key Takeaways

Colorectal cancer is largely preventable and highly treatable when caught early.
Get screened at 45 — or earlier if you have a family history.
Don't ignore symptoms — rectal bleeding and bowel changes deserve prompt evaluation.
A colonoscopy is the gold standard: one test, one time, can both find and fix the problem.
Treatment today looks nothing like it did for your grandparents' generation.

Resources & Next Steps

Talk to your primary care physician about scheduling a colonoscopy or Cologuard test
Contact Valley Health Surgical Oncology at Winchester Medical Center to learn more about colorectal cancer screening and treatment
Learn more at valleyhealthlink.com

Community Health: Colorectal Cancer Awareness