Colon Cancer Prevention By Suneel Mohammed, M.D.
tum for polyps or cancer. The test is performed after administration of a mild sedative. If a screening colonoscopic exam shows no sign of polyps, the next examination is recommended in 10 years. A flexible sigmoidoscopy is an examination of the lower 1/4 to 1/3 of the colon lining using a flexible, lighted instrument called a sigmoidoscope. No sedative is given. This test is recommended every five years beginning at age 50 for people at average risk. Other newer screening tests that will become available in the future are DNA analysis of the feces and Computerized Tomographic colonography. Increased physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight may decrease the risk for colorectal cancer. Certain medications and supplements like aspirin, Vitamin D, B vitamin like folic acid, selenium and calcium may help to prevent colon cancer. The most effective way to reduce your risk is by having regular colon cancer screening tests beginning at age 50. Colon cancer screening should start earlier than age 50 in individuals with a family history of colon cancer. The screening costs are covered by Medicare, Medicaid and most commercial health insurance plans. Many studies have shown that colon cancer screening has reduced colon cancer incidence and death rates in the United States. Colon cancer rates are increasing among Indian and Pakistani immigrants to the United States as we get more assimilated into the American society. Early screening is the best method in preventing colon cancer.
March has been designated as the National Colon Cancer Awareness Month to promote awareness of colon cancer, its prevention and treatment. Colon cancer develops in the lining of the large intestine and is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. An estimated 145,000 people will be diagnosed with colon cancer this year and an estimated 50,000 people will die from the disease. Colon cancer is less common in India but the prevalence of colon cancer among Indian and Pakistani immigrants to the United States is increasing. A recent study showed that colon cancer is the third most common cancer among Indian and Pakistani immigrants to the United States and is becoming more common. Colon cancer usually does not have any early warning signs, but once a cancer has developed the patient may experience bleeding, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, weight loss and fatigue. Colon cancer is treated by surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Most patients who are diagnosed early with colon cancer have an excellent outcome. Many new innovative treatments have improved the outcome for patients with advanced colon cancer. Herbal therapy and alternative medicines have not been shown to help in curing colon cancer. Genetic factors are important in the development of colon cancers. Many colon cancer genes have been Contact: CarolinaDigestiveCare.com, Morganton, NC identified recently. First degree relatives (parents, siblings and children) of a person with colon cancer have an increased risk of developing the disease. Women with a history of ovarian, uterine and breast cancer have a higher risk of developing colon cancer. Dietary Professional Photo / VIdeo Services and lifestyle factors may increase the risk of development of colon cancer. A diet rich in fat like red meat, fried food and high fat dairy products and low in fruits and vegetables may increase the risk of colon cancer. Diabetes, smoking, heavy alcohol use, obesity and a sedentary life style may also promote the development of colon cancer. Colon cancer starts as a small benign growth called polyp. This gradually grows and turns into a cancer. It can be prevented if these polyps are detected and removed early. The risk of colon cancer increases with age and more than 90 percent of the cases are seen after age 50. Colon cancer screening saves lives by detecting and finding small polyps before they turn to cancer. About 60 percent of all colorectal cancers could be prevented if men and women above age 50 were screened for colon cancer. Cancers can also be found at an earlier stage when treatment is more effective. Many tests are available to screen for colon cancer. A fecal occult blood test (FOBT) is a test used to check for hidden blood in the stool. Cancers or polyps can bleed intermittently and can be detected by FOBT. This test is recommended annually for persons beginning at age 50 who are at average risk. A colonoscopy is considered the gold standard exam because it provides a direct view of the entire colon and rectum and allows for the detection and removal of polyps. A colonoscopy is performed by a specialist, who will use a long, flexible, lighted tube called the colonoscope to view the entire colon and recMarch 2010
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