CANCER SCREENING AND PREVENTION COLORECTAL CANCER — COLONOSCOPY

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains the second most common cancer for both men and women in the United States, with nearly 150,000 cases diagnosed each year. Colorectal cancer is most common after age 45, but it can strike at younger ages.

COLON CANCER SCREENING IS EASY AND COMFORTABLE AT GASTROENTEROLOGY ASSOCIATES

Risk factors for colorectal cancer include family history, personal history of polyps, obesity, and smoking. The death rate for colon cancer has dropped in the last fifteen years. This is attributed to the increased awareness and screening for colon cancers by colonoscopy. Screening for colorectal cancer can save your life. Colon Cancer is one of the most treatable and preventable cancers.  92% of CRC are treatable if found early.  Early detection provides a greater than 90% cure rate. The American Cancer Society recommends CRC screening start at age 45 and 45 for African Americans. African Americans are diagnosed with CRC at a younger age than other ethnic groups. The American College of Gastroenterology considers colonoscopy the “gold standard” for colorectal screening because colonoscopy allows the physician to look directly at the colon and to identify suspicious growths. Colonoscopy is the only test that allow a biopsy and/or removal of a polyp at the very same time it is first identified.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF CRC

Most early colorectal cancers produce no symptoms. This is why screening for colorectal cancer is so important. Some possible symptoms, listed below, do not always indicate the presence of colorectal cancer, but should prompt a visit with your physician and a check-up:

• New onset of abdominal discomfort/pain
• Change in typical bowel habits, diarrhea or constipation
• Blood in the stool
• Change in stool caliber or shape

WHO IS CONSIDERED HIGH RISK FOR COLORECTAL CANCER?

• Personal history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps
• A strong family history of the disease (one second or third degree relative with colon cancer or one or more first degree relatives with colon cancer or colon polyps are at high risk)
• Inherited forms of colorectal polyps or cancer
• Predisposing chronic digestive condition such as inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis)

Schedule your screening today. Call 434-384-1862 option 3 to reach one of our screening colonoscopy coordinators.

SCREEN IT! FIGHT IT! CURE IT!

A quick search on the internet and you will discover that colon cancer has affected many people. The list includes celebrities, political figures, sports stars and other notable people. Charles M. Schulz: An American cartoonist best know for his Peanuts comic strip. He died on February 12th, 2000 of complications from colon cancer. https://www.cancertodaymag.org/Pages/Winter2013-2014/Charles-Schulz-Peanuts-Colorectal-Cancer.aspx Darryl Strawberry: A former American baseball player, he was one of the most feared sluggers throughout the early 1990s. He was diagnosed with colon cancer 1998, he is a survivor. https://www.survivornet.com/articles/former-mlb-star-darryl-strawberry-beat-colon-cancer-twice-now-shares-messages-of-hope-faith-with-others-im-a-living-miracle/ Elizabeth Montgomery: An American film and television actress who is best known for her roles as Samantha Stevens on Bewitched. She was diagnosed in the spring of 1995. She had no chance of recovery, she died in the company of her children and husband, on May 18th, 1995. https://www.cancertodaymag.org/pages/Summer2012/elizabeth-montgomery-colorectal-cancer.aspx Ronald Reagan: 40th President of the United States, serving for two terms 1980-1988. He was diagnosed with colon cancer 1985 and skin cancer two years later, both were removed. He died after 10 years of struggle with Alzheimer’s. https://www.survivornet.com/articles/did-yo-know-ronald-reagan-had-colon-cancer-surgery-while-in-office-a-reminder-about-the-importance-of-screening/ Sharon Osbourne: An English TV host, writer, business woman, and the wife of Ozzy Osbourne. She was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in 2002. The doctors gave her a 33 percent chance of survival. She recovered and is still entertaining us today. https://www.survivornet.com/articles/5-truths-sharon-osbourne-learned-from-colon-cancer-after-you-get-over-the-shock-and-panic-you-realize-how-lucky-you-are-to-be-alive/ Tony Snow: An American political commentator, news anchor, columnist, radio host, and the third White House Secretary under President George W. Bush. He was first diagnosed in February 2005 and underwent surgery. About a year later the cancer reoccurred. He died on July 12, 2008 after the cancer had spread to his liver. https://coloncancercoalition.org/2011/11/23/warrior-wednesday-i-get-my-rear-in-gear-for-caregivers-because-of-betty-jo-and-tony-snow/ Farrah Fawcett: June 2009 – Former “Charlie’s Angel,” Farrah Fawcett, died today at age 62 after a long struggle with anal cancer, her spokesman told media organizations. https://www.webmd.com/cancer/news/20090623/farrah-fawcett-obit