March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month – 90% of cases
can be avoided with proper treatment
By: Sunil Gupta, MD
Board Certified Physician
Putnam Gastroenterology
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Cancer of the colon and rectum remains the third
leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, with more than 140,000
people diagnosed with the disease annually.
The data shows that one in twenty people will contract colon cancer in
their lifetime.
With proper screening, over 90% of cases can
be avoided. Unfortunately, many patients wait
for troubling symptoms to develop such as rectal bleeding, changes in
bowel function, abdominal cramping, and distention. Once these symptoms occur, they could
represent that cancer is already present.
A preferred approach is to check patients for the presence of
precancerous lesions called “polyps” and have them removed, before they turn
into invasive cancers. Most polyps and
treatable cancers occur prior to the development of any symptoms.
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Although several
screening tests remain available, it is a colonoscopy that remains the “gold
standard” test. During this exam,
sedation is given to ensure patient comfort, and then the colon is examined
with a lighted tube, where the polyps are both identified and removed at one
setting. This outpatient procedure takes
15-20 minutes to complete.
Since polyps take
many years to turn into cancer, it is generally not necessary to have a
colonoscopy often to achieve this level of prevention. Low risk patients should complete the exam
every 10 years.
Despite the
widespread availability of colonoscopy, it is only utilized in less than 50% of
eligible patients. Its use lags way
behind screening rates for other cancers such as breast (mammography), cervix
(PAP smears), and prostate exams. These tests are only meant to detect the
presence of cancer, while colonoscopies can also prevent cancer.
The cost of
screening tests are now covered by Medicare, and most commercial health
plans. Colonoscopies should first be
performed at age 45 for African-Americans, and age 50 for all other men and
women. Screening should be initiated
earlier if any concerning symptoms have occurred or if there is a family
history of colon cancer.
Colon cancer
screening is certainly not going to be the highlight of anyone’s year, but
these exams are relatively simple and painless.
A few moments of inconvenience and mild discomfort are worth the peace
of mind you receive, knowing that you have increased the likelihood that you
will lead a long and healthy life.
Please help us
spread the word not only during Colon Cancer Awareness Month, but also year
round. Encourage friends, family,
neighbors, and maybe even strangers to speak with their physicians about this
very important issue.
Putnam Gastroenterology is located at 667 Stoneleigh Ave, Suite 201,
Carmel, NY 10512
T: 845-278-5223
