Gastroenterology

Screening and Early Detection Key to Effective Treatment

Any day is a good time to learn more about colorectal cancer (cancer of the colon and rectum) and how it can be prevented or best treated. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States for both men and women combined. This year, approximately 140,000 new cases of colorectal cancer will be diagnosed and 56,000 people will die from the disease. But colorectal cancer is a disease that can be prevented through regular screenings, a healthy diet and regular exercise.

Why Colorectal Cancer Screening Works

Many people have growths in their colon called polyps. While these are often not cancerous, certain types of polyps can become cancerous over time. Finding and removing them during a screening colonoscopy not only allows the doctor to test for early signs of cancer; it removes potential sources of cancer. For this reason, you should not wait to have a colorectal cancer screening.

For people at average risk, screening should begin at age 45. Screenings are generally repeated every 10 years unless results from the colonoscopy suggest a higher risk for cancer.

Family history and other health considerations may increase your personal risk of colorectal cancer and require a unique screening schedule. For example, if a close blood relative had colorectal cancer, screening should begin 10 years before the age at which your relative was diagnosed, and repeated more frequently. It’s important to discuss personal risk factors with your doctor.

Screening may also be recommended if you experience symptoms of colorectal cancer at any age, including rectal bleeding, a change in bowel habits, or abdominal pain or weight loss of unclear cause.

The Colonoscopy Procedure

Colonoscopy is an outpatient procedure. Patients fast and drink a laxative liquid to clear out the colon the evening before the test is scheduled. Once patients arrive at the screening clinic the next day, they are sedated, which allows them to relax or sleep during the procedure. The doctor then threads a thin scope outfitted with a tiny video camera into the colon and watches the video images on a screen, looking for polyps and other signs of disease. Polyps are removed for prevention during the procedure, and once removed are tested for cancer.

The appointment will typically take between three to four hours from arrival to departure, and most patients do not feel any pain or remember the procedure afterwards. In fact, it is commonly observed that the most uncomfortable part of colorectal screening is drinking the prep solution the day before. Fortunately, patients now have the option to choose from a variety of newly available solutions that are more comfortable to drink than the traditional options.

Gastroenterology Services

Our New York gastroenterology services at UHS Gastroenterology deliver excellent diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the digestive tract.