by Patricia Supanich
Axis Health System
Colon cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in men and women combined in the United States. The American Cancer Society estimated that 132,700 people would be diagnosed with colon cancer in 2015, and colon cancer will cause 49,700 deaths in the United States this year.
Colorectal cancer screenings are recommended for all adults beginning at age 50. If you have a significant family history, screening may be recommended earlier. Depending on the type of screening, you will need to have a screening once a year or every 10 years. Colorectal cancer screenings vary from easy and noninvasive to very invasive, such as a colonoscopy, with each screening have varied accuracy rates. The most accurate screening method is a colonoscopy that uses a tube with a tiny camera to look at the whole colon; your doctor will obtain tissue samples from any part of the colon that looks suspicious. Remember that each test has its advantages and disadvantages and should be discussed with your health-care provider.
Most insurance now covers preventive screenings, so the cost out of pocket is minimal. For those who do not have insurance, there are programs to help pay for the majority of the cost of the screening and can be discussed with your health-care provider or by calling the American Cancer Society.
Who should be screened and when:
All men and women should be screened for colon cancer beginning at age 50, if not earlier.
People with a first-degree relative (parent, sibling or children) who either has or had colon cancer are at a greater risk of developing the cancer than those without a family history and should begin screening before age 50.
People with a personal or family history of inflammatory bowel disease or who are experiencing symptoms are considered “high risk” and should begin screening before age 50. Symptoms may include blood in your stool or pain in your belly, a change in bowel habits such as constipation or diarrhea and unexplained weight loss or fatigue. If you have any of these symptoms, contact your health-care provider immediately.
African Americans should begin screening at age 45.
Colon cancer is defined as cancer of the large intestine or colon, the lower part of your digestive system. In contrast, rectal cancer is cancer of the last 6 inches of the colon, and, together, they’re often referred to as colorectal cancers. Most cases of colon cancer begin as small, noncancerous (benign) clumps of cells called polyps on the inside of the intestines. Although most polyps remain harmless, some can turn cancerous. Because the cancerous polyps produce few, if any, symptoms, doctors recommend regular screening tests to help prevent colon cancer by identifying polyps early and removing them before they develop into cancer.
There are some preventive actions you can take that will reduce your risk of cancer. Eating a nutritious diet, getting enough exercise and controlling your body fat can prevent 45 percent of colorectal cancers. The American Cancer Society recommends a diet heavy on fruits and vegetables, light on processed food and red meat and whole grains instead of refined grains to help you keep a healthy weight.
La Plata Integrated Healthcare, 1970 E. Third Ave., Unit 1, lower level, is currently enrolling new patients and offers colon screenings. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call the clinic at 335-2288.
Patricia Supanich is director of Compliance & Quality for Axis Health System.
