Jun
28
Colon Cancer Screening
Filed Under Women's Health News
Colon cancer is 90% preventable and 90% treatable when detected early; yet it’s the 2nd leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Studies reveal Americans are uncomfortable discussing the disease, underestimate their risk, and unaware they should be screened starting at age 50. Early screening can uncover polyps, which can be removed before they turn into cancer.
There are options for screening, but be mindful that women have a higher incidence of right sided colon disease. Colonoscopy, inserting a flexible scope into the rectum to examine the entire large intestine, is ideal allowing identification and removal of pre-cancerous growths and should be performed every 10 years for those with no additional risk factors. This is done under conscious sedation (twilight sleep). Alternatively you can undergo flexible sigmoidoscopy (with a shorter scope) or a special x-ray test called a double contrast barium enema every five years. These tests all require a thorough bowel prep the day beforehand to clear it of stool. Finally though not as accurate, 3 day home stool testing for blood is an option for those truly afraid of the aforementioned tests. If you have risk factors such as a family history of colon cancer you may need to begin testing earlier than 50.
So feel free to discuss colon cancer screening with your doctor at your next annual examination. You can get additional information at www.preventcancer.org/colorectal or www.cancer.org.
Colon cancer is the 2nd leading cause of cancer deaths. Many cases are preventable, or if detected early, treatable with good long-term survival.
Wishing you good health!
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