Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month: Knowledge is Power

Raul J. Badillo, MD

By Raul J. Badillo, MD

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. According to the American Cancer Society, the colon cancer death rate in this country could be cut by more than half if Americans simply followed recommended screening guidelines. Early detection and treatment are critical. If caught early, colorectal cancer is 90 percent curable. If precancerous polyps are found during screening, the disease is often altogether preventable. Because colorectal cancer can develop with no signs or symptoms, a colonoscopy could serve as a life-saving test.

A colonoscopy is the most effective way to prevent, detect, and diagnose colon cancer. Along with functioning as a screening test to check for cancer or precancerous polyps in the colon or rectum, a colonoscopy can also help find ulcers, tumors and areas of inflammation or bleeding. It is important to be screened for colon cancer even if you are not currently experiencing pain or bleeding.

New guidelines: Get screened at 45.

Men and women are affected equally by colorectal cancer. For patients of average risk with no family history, it is now recommended that screenings for colon cancer begin at age 45 (although the screening guidelines have been lowered to age 45, some insurances may not cover the screening until age 50), with follow-up screenings every five to 10 years, even for people who feel perfectly healthy. If you do have a family history of cancer, are experiencing pain or bleeding, or a previous screening revealed polyps, your doctor may recommend that you be screened earlier or more frequently.

A colonoscopy is not as hard as you think.

There’s no need to feel embarrassed or ashamed during a colonoscopy. It is your doctor’s job to perform these lifesaving screenings, and every effort is made to help patients feel comfortable during the painless procedure.

• You’ll be asked to follow a clear liquid diet the day before your procedure.
• You’ll be given instructions on using a laxative mixture to empty your bowel so that your colon can be viewed clearly during the procedure.
• During the colonoscopy, your doctor will look at the inner lining of your large intestine (which includes your rectum and colon). A thin, flexible tube called a colonoscope is inserted while you are sedated.
• Most patients have very little awareness that the procedure is taking place. You’re done within an hour.

Colorectal Cancer Risk Factors

Even if you have no family history of the colorectal cancer or polyps, you are at increased risk if:

• you are 45+ years of age
• you are overweight
• you are physically inactive
• you smoke and/or excessively consume alcohol
• you eat a lot of red meat
• you have diagnosed or undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes
• you have Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis

About Dr. Raul Badillo

Raul J. Badillo, MD, is a board-certified and fellowship-trained gastroenterologist. His clinical interests include acute and chronic liver diseases, esophageal and swallowing disorders, and Barrett’s esophagus.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit GetScreenedToday.com or call 407-609-7395.

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