From Adam Schiro, MD, gastroenterologist
Monroe
To the editor:
March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month. Two key things to know about colon cancer are: 1. In the U.S., colon cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths. 2. Colon cancer is one of the few cancers considered preventable.
These two facts about colon cancer seem to contradict each other. If colon cancer can be prevented, why is it one of the leading causes of cancer deaths? One important reason could be the fact that one in three American adults skip the screening colonoscopy recommended at age 50.
I can't stress enough how important the screening colonoscopy is to preventing colon cancer. According to the CDC, it's estimated that more than one-half of all colon cancer cases could be prevented by the recommended colonoscopy screening. Here's how: The screening colonoscopy is able to identify and remove any polyps that could potentially become cancerous - well before symptoms have had a chance to develop.
So if you are age 50, or over, and haven't scheduled your colonoscopy, please do so. If you are younger than 50, speak to your doctor about family history of colon cancer, as well as your own digestive health history. These factors may indicate you should have a screening colonoscopy prior to 50 years old. In addition, pay attention to things you can do to reduce your risk factors for colon cancer: live an active lifestyle, eat lots of fruits and vegetables and limit red meat and alcohol.
Please use this March, Colon Cancer Awareness Month, to start the discussion about colon cancer with your primary care provider or gastroenterologist. It could save your life.
Monroe
To the editor:
March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month. Two key things to know about colon cancer are: 1. In the U.S., colon cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths. 2. Colon cancer is one of the few cancers considered preventable.
These two facts about colon cancer seem to contradict each other. If colon cancer can be prevented, why is it one of the leading causes of cancer deaths? One important reason could be the fact that one in three American adults skip the screening colonoscopy recommended at age 50.
I can't stress enough how important the screening colonoscopy is to preventing colon cancer. According to the CDC, it's estimated that more than one-half of all colon cancer cases could be prevented by the recommended colonoscopy screening. Here's how: The screening colonoscopy is able to identify and remove any polyps that could potentially become cancerous - well before symptoms have had a chance to develop.
So if you are age 50, or over, and haven't scheduled your colonoscopy, please do so. If you are younger than 50, speak to your doctor about family history of colon cancer, as well as your own digestive health history. These factors may indicate you should have a screening colonoscopy prior to 50 years old. In addition, pay attention to things you can do to reduce your risk factors for colon cancer: live an active lifestyle, eat lots of fruits and vegetables and limit red meat and alcohol.
Please use this March, Colon Cancer Awareness Month, to start the discussion about colon cancer with your primary care provider or gastroenterologist. It could save your life.
