Early screenings for colorectal cancer are important, as evidence suggests they can prevent 60 percent of colorectal cancer-related deaths. The most widely used test is the colonoscopy because it is the only screening that can both detect polyps before they become cancerous and help doctors learn if you have colorectal cancer.
However, 38 percent of adults older than 50 avoid colonoscopies, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. One reason is that people too often believe colonoscopies are embarrassing or uncomfortable or they may lead to a cancer diagnosis, at least according to a study published in The American Journal of Health Promotion.
If any of the following fears are holding you back from having this lifesaving procedure, take heart. Colonoscopies aren't as bad as you may think.
Fear: Colonoscopies are embarrassing.
Reality: The test will be conducted in a private room with professional staff. It may help to remind yourself that your medical team performs several colonoscopies a day. These procedures are routine for them, and their main concern is keeping you healthy and free of cancer.
Fear: The exam may be painful.
Reality: Patients have the option to be sedated during their colonoscopies. You can receive medications that will help you relax or completely put you to sleep while your provider performs the colonoscopy. All forms of sedation prevent you from feeling anything during the procedure.
Fear: My doctor may find cancer.
Reality: There is always a chance your doctor could find something concerning. However, colorectal cancers are highly treatable and have a 90 percent five-year survival rate if detected in their early stages, according to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance. Another benefit of colonoscopies is doctors can actually use them to prevent cancer. If they find polyps that may develop into cancer, the polyps can be removed during the test.
Jack D. Alston, M.D., FACS, and Patrick Schiefelbein, D.O., are general surgeons at Surgical Associates of Siloam Springs. Both surgeons perform a variety of surgical services including laparoscopy, biopsy, colonoscopy and more. For more information, visit SAofSS.com or call 479-215-3040.
If having a colonoscopy still makes you nervous, talk with your primary care provider about alternative procedures. While a colonoscopy is the recommended colon cancer screening, other alternatives, such as virtual colonoscopies and stool-based tests, can also screen for the disease.
When to get screened
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that all adults at average risk of developing colorectal cancer start receiving regular screenings at age 50 and, if they are in good health, continuing those screenings until age 75. Usually, a colonoscopy needs to be done only once every 10 years.
However, people at high risk for colorectal cancer may need to begin screenings earlier or have them more frequently than once a decade. The American Cancer Society considers a person at high risk if he or she has:
• A personal or family history of colorectal cancer
• Inflammatory bowel disease, which includes Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis
• A genetic condition linked to colorectal cancer
• A history of radiation to the abdomen or pelvis for previous cancer treatment
Tidbits
• Often, people with colorectal cancer experience no symptoms.
• Women are more likely than men to avoid colonoscopies, according to The American Journal of Health Promotion.
• Although colorectal cancer risk increases with age, incidence has been rising about 2 percent per year in adults younger than 50, according to the Colon Cancer Coalition.
General News on 02/20/2019