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Health Scene • www.bmhsc.org
A COLONOSCOPY
is one of the best tests
for the early detection of colorectal can-
cer, which kills more than 50,000 people
in the U.S. each year.
But misinformation about the test and
the cancer abound, keeping people from
getting screened on time.
“Colon cancer is one of the most treat-
able cancers if you detect it early,” says
Majd Chahin, MD, medical director of
Beaufort Memorial’s Oncology Program.
“People shouldn’t wait until they have
symptoms; they should start being
screened at age 50, or sooner if they have a
family history of colon cancer.”
Here are fve essentials to know about
colorectal cancer:
1
Colorectal cancer can, in many
cases, be prevented.
Te cancer almost always starts with
a small, precancerous growth called a
polyp. Polyps can be found only with
certain tests, such as a colonoscopy or
a fexible sigmoidoscopy. If the polyp is
found early, doctors can remove it before
it develops into cancer.
Researchers also have found that a
healthy lifestyle lowers the risk of colorec-
tal cancer.
Here are some things you can do:
➜
Get
to and stay at a healthy weight.
➜
Keep
physically active.
➜
Avoid alcohol.
➜
Eat
plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole
grains.
➜
Eat only small amounts of red
or processed meat.
When to see
your doctor
Many people with
colorectal cancer
have no symptoms,
especially early in the
course of the disease.
So regular screening is
key for fnding cancer
before it spreads.
But if you have any
of these symptoms, see
your doctor right away:
✓
✓
A change in bowel
habits, such as consti-
pation or diarrhea that
lasts more than a few
days.
✓
✓
Rectal bleeding,
dark stools or blood in
the stools.
✓
✓
Stools that look
narrower or thinner
than normal.
✓
✓
Discomfort in the
abdomen, including
frequent gas pains,
bloating, fullness and
cramps.
✓
✓
Weight loss for no
known reason.
✓
✓
Weakness and
fatigue.
✓
✓
Unexplained iron-
defciency anemia.
Many things can
cause these symp-
toms, so see your
doctor for a prompt
evaluation.
American Cancer Society
things you
should know
2
Colorectal cancer is not always
deadly.
More than 90 percent of people whose
colorectal cancers are found early can be
treated and cured, reports the American
Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.
But many people wait to see a doctor until
they have symptoms of the disease. Often,
that means the cancer has already spread.
Survival rates are lower if colorectal can-
cer isn’t found early.
3
Colorectal cancer is an equal-
opportunity disease.
It afects men and women of all races.
Te most important risk factor, however,
is age. More than 90 percent of colorectal
cancer cases are in people 50 and older,
according to the American Cancer Society
(ACS).
4
Screening is important—even if
you eat well, exercise and feel fne.
Often there are no symptoms until the
cancer has spread. And while diet and
exercise lower your risk, they aren’t a
guarantee against the disease. Screening
is recommended even for people without
symptoms or risk factors. Te ACS recom-
mends that most people be screened for
colorectal cancer starting at age 50. Some
people who are at particularly high risk
for the disease may need to start screen-
ing at an earlier age.
Many insurance policies cover the
cost of screening for people 50 and older.
Medicare covers the test too.
5
Colonoscopy generally is not
painful.
Most people don’t remember the pro-
cedure because they’re given medicine to
sleep through the exam.
“It’s important for people to ask their
doctor about being screened for colon
cancer,” Dr. Chahin says. “A little inconve-
nience could add years to your life.”
Reluctant to schedule a colonoscopy? Rest assured, our
gastroenterology staf will make your exam as easy as
possible. Call 888-522-5585 for a provider near you.
COLORECTAL CANCER