Overall, the lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer is about 1 in
20 (5.1%). The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be
almost 150,000 colorectal cancers diagnosed in the United States
annually and that approximately 50,000 deaths will result.
What makes this particularly disturbing is that colon cancer is almost entirely preventable when appropriate screening tests are done. Guidelines from professional societies vary but they generally recommend that average-risk adults should begin colorectal cancer screening at age 50 years, utilizing one of several options for screening, among which is colonoscopy. For patients with relatives who have had colon cancer or polyps, earlier screening is recommended.
We have reviewed the data regarding colorectal cancer and screening risks and benefits and we strongly recommend screening using colonoscopy beginning at age 40 rather than 50. Colonoscopy is a very safe procedure and complications are very rare. When polyps are found, they can almost always be removed immediately (during the colonoscopy procedure).
In our experience, the largest barrier to colon cancer screening with colonoscopy is the preparation required. The traditional colonoscopy prep requires that you drink 64 ounces of liquid in two hours and while most patients have no trouble with this, some find it difficult. Fortunately, there is a new product called Suprep which is a much smaller volume to drink. So, for those of you who've been putting this off (and you know who you are), it's time to act!
If you’ve questions about this, please contact us. We’re happy to discuss this important issue further and to help make arrangements to protect you from this devastating disease.
What makes this particularly disturbing is that colon cancer is almost entirely preventable when appropriate screening tests are done. Guidelines from professional societies vary but they generally recommend that average-risk adults should begin colorectal cancer screening at age 50 years, utilizing one of several options for screening, among which is colonoscopy. For patients with relatives who have had colon cancer or polyps, earlier screening is recommended.
We have reviewed the data regarding colorectal cancer and screening risks and benefits and we strongly recommend screening using colonoscopy beginning at age 40 rather than 50. Colonoscopy is a very safe procedure and complications are very rare. When polyps are found, they can almost always be removed immediately (during the colonoscopy procedure).
In our experience, the largest barrier to colon cancer screening with colonoscopy is the preparation required. The traditional colonoscopy prep requires that you drink 64 ounces of liquid in two hours and while most patients have no trouble with this, some find it difficult. Fortunately, there is a new product called Suprep which is a much smaller volume to drink. So, for those of you who've been putting this off (and you know who you are), it's time to act!
If you’ve questions about this, please contact us. We’re happy to discuss this important issue further and to help make arrangements to protect you from this devastating disease.
Written by: Scott W. Yates, MD, MBA, MS, FACP
