Colonoscopy. It’s a word that has become more popular over the last two decades and one that often makes people cringe a little at the thought.
It’s not glamorous that’s for sure. But none the less, as we observe National Colorectal Cancer month, we realize the importance of the third most commonly diagnosed cancer. It’s also the second leading cancer cause of death among men and women.
Awareness of colorectal cancer became eminent fifteen years ago when Katie Couric’s husband, Jay Monahan, lost his battle against colon cancer. Couric used her position at NBC to spotlight the cancer and bring awareness to screenings such as colonoscopies. She went live on television and took her viewers step by step through the process. Recently, on her current talk show, Katie, she spoke with Dr. Felice Sussman about the progress that has been made in the fight against colon cancer.
Here’s the scoop on colorectal cancer: the lifetime risk of developing colon cancer is 1 in 20. However, if it is detected early, it is highly treatable. Most people who develop colon cancer are diagnosed after age 50, with an average age of diagnosis of 72.
Individual risk factors may vary, but the Colon Cancer Alliance notes the following as being common:
1. Family history of Colon Cancer.
2. Colon Polyps, growths on the inner wall of the colon or rectum. Most are benign, some become cancerous. Removal may reduce the risk of cancer.
3. Genetic alterations: there are two rare genetic conditions, Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colon Cancer (HNPCC).
4. If you have had a personal history of cancer, you may develop it a second time. Also, women with a history of cancer in the ovary, uterus or breast have a higher risk of developing colon cancer. Also, men and women who have had ulcerative colitis or Chrohn’s disease are at an increased risk.
While these points summarize the risk factors, there are several screenings that will help with early detection of cancer or polyps.
The “Gold Standard” Colonoscopy uses a colonoscope, a long lighted tube, to examine the inside of the rectum and colon to look for polyps. It is recommended that this procedure is done when a person turns the age of 50 and every 10 years after unless instructed otherwise by your physician.
Another screening option is the flexible sigmoidoscopy examines the rectum and lower part of the colon. Recommendations for this test are to begin at age 50 and repeat every five years. A virtual colonoscopy uses x-rays and computers for 2-3D images of the colon and rectum. This procedure is recommended every five years after a baseline test at age 50.
A double-contrast barium enema (DCBE) tests for polyps or tumors by pumping air and barium into the rectum. The solutions will show any type of polyp or tumor on an x-ray. This test is recommended at age 50 and should have a follow up test every 5-10 years.
Finally, the Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) can be done yearly and is a test that The Medical Foundation offers. Patients are given a test kit to collect a stool sample which is then examined. For more information on this test visit our webpage.
If you are around the age of 50, speak with your doctor about the benefits of getting a colonoscopy or using another screening method for colorectal cancer.
If you have experienced any of the following symptoms, please consult your physician. Although you may experience some warning signs of colorectal cancer, screening is important because there are not always symptoms.
If you experience blood in your stool, have aches, pains or cramps in your stomach that don’t go away or are losing weight without knowing why, these may be signs that something is wrong and you should make an appointment with your physician.
For more information on colorectal cancer, visit the Colon Cancer Alliance website.
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