Colon Cancer Screening
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of death from cancer in both men and women. In 2002, 56,600 people died from the disease. It is predicted that there will be 148,000 new cases of colorectal cancer this year. This number is expected to be less than last year due to more patients having a screening colonoscopy. Only 57% of people over the age of 50 were properly evaluated for colorectal cancer in 2004.
Colonoscopy is the gold standard for colorectal cancer screening, and in the average person, it should be performed beginning at age 50 and then every 5-10 years thereafter, depending on the initial findings. Of course, a strong family history of the disease or specific gastrointestinal symptoms such as rectal bleeding or anemia may prompt your physician to recommend the procedure prior to age 50. Most colon cancers are thought to originate from polyps; thus periodically having a colonoscopy to remove visible polyps will prevent the development of colorectal cancer. Once a colorectal cancer develops, the sooner it is removed the better the prognosis.
To undergo a colonoscopy, you must take a preparation of very strong laxatives the day prior to the procedure, while only drinking liquids on that day. The day of the procedure you will present at the endoscopy / colonoscopy lab where an IV is inserted in order to administer sedatives. Once you are sedated, your physician inserts the colonoscope into the rectum and passes it to the end of the colon. The colon is then carefully examined for abnormalities. During the procedure biopsies may be taken and polyps removed for evaluation. Once the procedure is complete, you are closely monitored until you are fully awake and ready to be discharged home.
If you are age 50 or older and have not yet had a colonoscopy, are due for a repeat colonoscopy, have a family history of colon cancer, or you are having gastrointestinal symptoms such as anemia or rectal bleeding, please schedule a consultation with your physician. Your doctor will be able to discuss any concerns you may have and together you can determine the appropriate time for you to have this procedure performed.
David Oelsner, M.D. has been in practice since 1997. He joined Granger Medical Clinic in 2006 after moving from New Orleans.