Three Words About Colorectal Cancer

By Dr. Salem Ganem, Gastroenterologist
Eagle Gastroenterology

Colonoscopy. Don't turn away. I know how people react to that word because that's what I do for a living. While not pleasant to think about, a colonoscopy is actually a simple procedure in which a very small video camera mounted on a tube about the thickness of a finger is inserted into the colon through the rectum. The physician examines the inside of the colon while you are sedated. Most people remember nothing about the experience other than "the prep" done the night before. A pretty strong laxative has to be taken to cleanse the colon for the exam.

Prevention. When doctors talk about cancer prevention, they say things like "stop smoking" and "eat more fiber and less fat." While good advice, colonoscopy is a bit more direct. One thing a doctor looks for during a colonoscopy is a grape-like growth called a polyp. Polyps aren't necessarily cancerous, but they can become that way. A standard colonoscopy allows the doctor to snip them off years before they would become cancerous. Most colon cancers can be prevented in this fashion.

Time. Get a colonoscopy when you turn 50 - earlier if you have a family history of colorectal cancer. If you're African-American, get your first colonoscopy when you turn 45. Doctors don't know why, but the incidence of colorectal cancer starts earlier among African-Americans. You probably won't need another for five or 10 years. If polyps are found, your doctor may want to see you more often.

There you have them - three words that can save your life or the life of someone you love. A colonoscopy is a simple, effective procedure that could largely prevent the 56,000 deaths from colorectal cancer in America every year. So when it's time, I have three more words of advice - see your doctor.

           
More information is available on this topic.