Cancer Prevention and Control Simpler Colonoscopies Are Safer
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he number of colonoscopy procedures is expected to surpass 14 million per year, according to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Colonoscopy is the most common form of colorectal screening and uses a flexible fiber-optic tube to check for cancer or polyps (growths that can be removed before they turn into cancer) in the colon or rectum. Although colonoscopies are relatively safe, there are risks. A new study by VCU Massey Cancer Center researchers discovered that as the complexity of colonoscopies increases, there is a higher risk of adverse events. Published in the journal Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, the retrospective study was led by Aksar Chukmaitov, MD, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Healthcare Policy and Research at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, who analyzed hospitalizations that were linked to colonoscopy procedures that caused serious adverse events within 30 days. The research found that the risks of adverse events were higher for procedures performed by low-volume endoscopists, which were classified as
less than 300 cases per year. Regarding facility type, the researchers found that outpatient colonoscopies provided at ambulatory surgery centers were associated with higher risks of adverse events than hospital outpatient departments. “This issue could be addressed by monitoring surgeon volume and by urging primary care physicians to refer patients to experienced endoscopists who perform a high volume of colonoscopies,” said Chukmaitov. The researchers also found that “simple” colonoscopies, ones without polypectomy (which is surgery to remove polyps) are associated with the lowest risk of adverse events and that the use of cold biopsy forceps over hot biopsy forceps, when applicable, had better outcomes. As for colonoscopies with polypectomy, ablation which burns the polyps with laser-like devices, was associated with the fewest adverse events. “Given the large number of colonos copies performed each year in the United States, a reduction in the rates of adverse events will substantially reduce patient morbidity and mortality as well as health care costs,” said Chukmaitov. The American Cancer Society recommends that people who have no
Aksar Chukmaitov, MD, PhD identified risk factors should begin regular screening at age 50. Those who have a family history or other risk factors for colorectal polyps or cancer should talk with their doctor about starting screening at a younger age and/ or getting screened more frequently.
Stay Safe This Summer Tips to Reduce Your Risk for Skin Cancer • Seek shade, especially during midday hours. • Wear clothing to protect exposed skin. • Wear a hat with a wide brim to shade the face, head, ears, and neck. • Wear sunglasses that wrap around and block as close to 100% of both UVA and UVB rays as possible. • Use sunscreen with sun protective factor (SPF) 15 or higher, and both UVA and UVB protection. • Apply 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of sunscreen to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside. • Avoid indoor tanning. • Examine your skin head-to-toe every month.
Tips courtesy of cdc.gov and skincancer.org
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