Health News
OVER 50???...Put the FEAR of Colon Cancer Behind You
For years I have been "preaching" to have a screening colonoscopy when one turns 50. Even though colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. for both men and women, it is largely preventable with the use of colonoscopy screening. A few months ago it was my turn, and when it comes to your own screening you tend to rationalize and try to justify putting it off. After some procrastinating, I decided to lead by example (after all example is better than precept), and I went ahead and had my colonoscopy. The procedure itself was a "breeze".....the preparation (ask anyone who has had a colonoscopy) was an inconvenience having to be close to a bathroom at all times. Fortunately, it was all worthwhile resulting in clear results, and I shouldn’t need to have another screening colonoscopy for another 10 years.
Will I do it again? YES...the peace of mind is worth it. If one is destined to have colon cancer, screening before symptoms occur is the best way to "catch" polyps (which are pre-cancerous) and remove them. Removing precancerous polyps essentially prevents colon cancer from developing as most colon cancers start as polyps. In addition, if one already has colon cancer, the screening typically catches them in the early stages and has a 90% chance of a cure. We have control over some things in life and stopping colon cancer is definitely one of them.
When it comes to prevention we hear a lot about breast cancer, heart disease, etc… but we don’t hear much about colon cancer prevention. Many are embarrassed to talk about it and some think it is not important. Luckily the acceptance for a screening colonoscopy for colon cancer prevention is gaining some momentum and we have at least 20-30% of the population coming in for a screening colon now as opposed to only 10% around 10 years ago. More and more people are realizing that MORE THAN 50,000 Americans are dying annually (unnecessarily) from undetected or late stage colon cancer. It is my hope that over the next several years colon cancer prevention will continue to gain acceptance and one day we will be screening 100% of the population.
Here are some facts about colon cancer...
- 148,000 people were diagnosed with Colorectal Cancer in 2007.
- More lives are lost each year to colorectal cancer than to breast cancer and AIDS combined.
- Colon cancer does not discriminate and can affect any race, gender or age.
- 75% of patients with colon cancer have no family history.
- Most colon cancer patients have no symptoms and when symptoms do occur it is usually too late as the cancer would be in the late stages and survival rates are much lower.
- Colonoscopy is not only accurate but also is a preventative. If one has polyps they can be removed during colonoscopy thus preventing colon cancer.
- Precancerous polyps form in the colon or rectum and remain benign for three to 10 years. Through a colonoscopy these polyps can be removed thus preventing colon cancer.
- Medicare and most other insurance plans cover screening colonoscopies
- You are definitely at higher risk for colon cancer if you have a family history of polyps or cancer.
Who should be screened?
- 50 years or older
- If you have family history of polyps or cancer your screening should start at age 40 or 10 years before your family member developed cancer which ever is earlier.
You take the time for routine physicals, mammograms, Pap smears, dental appointments, etc… Starting at age 50 (or earlier if you are high risk) you need to have a screening colonoscopy performed every 10 years or more frequently depending on your medical and family history. Now is the time to make a screening colonoscopy a part of living your healthy lifestyle.
Shekhar Challa, M.D.
Board Certified Gastroenterologist
President, Kansas Medical Clinic
ABOUT KMC GASTROENTEROLOGY
KMC Gastroenterology is a well-established G.I group in Northeast Kansas area. Ashraf M. Sufi, M.D., Jerry Feagan, M.D., and Shekhar Challa, M.D. perform thousands of endoscopic procedures including screening colonoscopies and provide sensitive, reliable patient care. Our physicians and medical staff use the latest in diagnostic tools and treatment. For more information about a screening colonoscopy please call 785-354-8518 or visit our website at www.KMCPA.com