Colon Cancer is Preventable

Men, do you believe that having your PSA checked yearly is important? I believe you do because this test is designed to detect prostate cancer early and therefore treat it more successfully. Women, do you go for your mammograms yearly starting at the age of 40 so that small abnormalities can be noticed? I believe you do because you believe that detecting breast cancer early can lead to a higher chance of a cure.

Cancer Risk and Prevention

Both men AND women are at risk for colon and rectal cancer (CRC). With a screening colonoscopy, these cancers are preventable! In the United States, colorectal cancer is the 3rd most common cancer in both men and women and the most preventable type of cancer. Regular screening for and removal of growths in the colon called polyps reduces the risk of developing colorectal cancer by up to 90% with a colonoscopy!

When to Get Screened?

The age to initiate colorectal cancer screenings in average-risk men and women has recently been lowered to 45. The reason the age to start CRC screening was lowered from 50 to 45 was due to a dramatic rise of CRC in the 45-50 year old population who have no additional risk factors. Although risk factors such as age and family history cannot be changed, there are risk factors that are modifiable. These include

• smoking
• obesity
• sedentary lifestyle
• red meat or processed foods consumption

All these factors can increase the risk of colon polyps. Last but not least, having chronic colon conditions such as uncontrolled ulcerative colitis can increase the chance of polyps and CRC.

Prepping For a Screening

Ok, so by now you agree that having a colonoscopy to find and remove polyps is important. But what about the preparation?! The preparation, also called the prep, is pretty standard with some exceptions if the patient has chronic constipation or diarrhea. The prep includes only drinking clear liquids the day prior to your procedure. The day before your procedure you take laxatives which usually include some pills and liquid laxatives that should be completed by late evening. As a result, frequent trips to the bathroom will happen. This is important because if the colon has leftover solid stool the gastroenterologist cannot visualize and remove polyps. Additionally, it is less effective to complete the procedure if the visualization is poor.

The day of the procedure is much easier. Patients check in to the endoscopy center after which they change into a gown, have an IV placed, and then receive anesthesia for the procedure. The procedure lasts about 20 minutes and about half an hour after completion of the colonoscopy the patients are on their way to enjoy a good meal. I allow my patients to eat whatever they wish after their procedure! The only restriction is that they cannot drive or make important decisions on the day of the procedure.

Colonoscopy Risks

Discussing risks is important as well. Every procedure has risks and so does a colonoscopy. The most significant risks include

• bleeding
• infection
• and perforation

The risk is less than 1 in 1000 cases in the hands of a trained gastroenterologist. Minor risks include bloating, chills, and abdominal pain which usually resolve within hours. The benefits of a colonoscopy FAR outweigh the risks.

Preventative Healthcare

After the initial colonoscopy is performed, the number of polyps found, their size, and histology under the microscope will determine when the next colonoscopy needs to be. Colonoscopies are usually continued for screening until age 75. The decision to offer CRC screening beyond age 75 should be individualized based on the patient’s overall health and prior polyps. Patients who have a family history of CRC have different screening recommendations. If a person has a sibling or parent with CRC, a colonoscopy should be initiated at age 40 or 10 years before the youngest affected relative.

The importance of preventative healthcare cannot be emphasized enough. We hope that patients use their screening benefits to undergo a colonoscopy at the appropriate age. If you have any questions, please contact a member of our staff and we hope to see you soon.