A COLONOSCOPY
is one of the best
tests for the early detection of colorectal
cancer, 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.
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
colorectal 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.
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,
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 constipation 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
symptoms, so see your
doctor for a prompt
evaluation.
American Cancer Society
that means the cancer has already spread.
Survival rates are lower if colorectal
cancer 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 recommends 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 screening 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
procedure because they’re given medicine
to sleep through the exam.
So talk with your doctor about when
you should be screened. Tis is one test
that could save your life.
Talk to your primary care provider about your risk factors
and scheduling your colonoscopy today. Our doctors
will provide excellent care during your procedure. Call
Dr. Weber at the Antigo Medical Building at 715-623-3761
or Drs. Gilbertson, Slominski or Myers at the General Clinic
at 715-623-2351 for more information.
Tings
YOU
Should Know
COLORECTAL CANCER
6
Pathways • www.langladehospital.org