Preventing cancer

The facts are staggering. Over 56,000 Americans die from colorectal cancer each year. But researchers have comforting news: regular screening could prevent up to 90 percent of these deaths, depending on the test used. Despite the evidence on the effectiveness of colorectal cancer screening, many people are still embarrassed to undergo screening, or they believe it unnecessary because they feel well.

Screening practices have varied in recent years, but colonoscopy is now believed by many to be the most effective method for people at average risk, which includes men and women 50 years of age or older who have no history of colonic adenomas, family history of colon cancer, ulcerative colitis or history of colon cancer. The number of colonoscopies performed for average-risk screening has increased more than 50 percent since 2000. These changes are largely due to the federal law passed that year requiring Medicare to cover a screening colonoscopy every 10 years beginning at age 50 for beneficiaries at average risk for colon cancer.

The increase in screening procedures is also a result of heightened awareness about colorectal cancer. Celebrities have publicly emphasized the importance of having regular colonoscopies, especially because there usually are no early symptoms of colorectal cancer.

An AGA member, associate editor, professor of medicine at Cornell University Medical College and attending gastroenterologist at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York, believes that many factors have contributed to the increase in screening colonoscopies in average-risk individuals. He thinks this increase is due to factors such as recent colonoscopy trials and more colon cancer education of medical meetings and in the media. Educating physicians about the guidelines for screening is important because patients are more likely to have a screening test when it is recommended by a doctor. he doctor also credits the designation of March as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month also credits the designation of March as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month for the rise in preventive practices. Every March, National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month partners and sponsors strive to improve awareness of colorectal cancer and educate people about preventing the disease through screening tests and healthy living.

A major influence has been the demonstration by the National Polyp Study that early detection and removal of polyps prevents colon cancer entirely. Polyps are the most frequent finding in screening; colonoscopy is the most effective way to find and remove polyps.

Given the evidence that screening, along with appropriate medical treatment, reduces deaths from colorectal cancer and can actually prevent the disease, many health-care organizations now suggest regular screening for all people over 50 years of age who are at average risk for colon cancer. A physician may recommend earlier testing in high-risk cases, especially when a history of gastrointestinal disease or a family history of colorectal cancer is present. Other high-risk factors include a high-fat, low-fiber diet and a sedentary lifestyle. Please contact your physician to discuss the screening tests that are most appropriate for you.