Myth: Only men get colorectal cancer
Fact: Although many people believe colorectal cancer is a
“man’s disease,” women are actually at equal risk. In fact,
colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer among men and
women in the United States.
Myth: I can’t prevent colorectal cancer
Fact: Although it may be a gut instinct to shy away from
any test that involves the colon or rectum, colorectal cancer
screenings can actually find, and often even remove, growths
that can turn into cancer.
“The majority of colorectal cancer cases start as polyps,
noncancerous bumps that can be found in the lining of the colon
and rectum,” explains
Alice Friedman, M.D., a gastroenterologist with The Austin
Diagnostic Clinic (ADC). “Finding and removing these polyps
before they become cancerous can prevent colorectal cancer from
ever developing.”
Myth: If I don’t have symptoms, I don’t need to be screened
Fact: Just mention the word “anus” and people begin to
squirm. Because colorectal cancer screening involve our most
private of parts, it’s easy to fool yourself into thinking
you’re not at risk. But if you’re age 50 or older, it’s time to
talk to your doctor about test options.
“More than 90 percent of colon cancer cases occur in people age
50 and older,” says Dr. Friedman. “The only way to reduce your
risk is to get regular recommended screenings. You can have
colorectal cancer for years before symptoms appear. And the
later it’s found, the harder it is to treat successfully.”
Some people do need to be screened earlier and more often for
colorectal cancer. People with inflammatory bowel disease or a
personal or family history of colorectal cancer or polyps are at
higher risk, as are people who smoke, are inactive, obese or eat
a diet high in meat and low in fruits and vegetables.
Myth: All colorectal cancer screening tests are equal
Fact: There are several colorectal cancer screening test
options, including the fecal occult blood test (a take-home kit
that checks for blood in the stood), flexible sigmoidoscopy (an
exam of the rectum and lower colon using a lighted instrument)
and colonoscopy (an exam of the rectum and entire colon using a
lighted instrument). While having any screening is better than
not having a screening at all, be aware that the tests have
different accuracy levels.
“Testing for blood in the stool picks up less than 10 percent of
polyps and colorectal cancers,” explains Dr. Friedman. “It’s
inexpensive and noninvasive and is therefore used for yearly
screening. Flexible sigmoidoscopy misses viewing the majority of
the colon, thereby missing half or more of polyps or cancers.
But colonoscopy can detect up to 80 percent or more of polyps
and cancers.”
Even if you had one of these tests years ago, you should talk to
your doctor about when you should be screened again.
Myth: Screening tests are embarrassing and painful
Fact: Nobody will tell you that getting screened for
colorectal cancer is as fun as going to Walt Disney World, but
“it’s just not as big a deal as most people think it will be,”
says Dr. Friedman.
“First and foremost, there is nothing to be embarrassed about,”
she adds. “Gastroenterologists who perform screening tests don’t
think twice about anything but ensuring the safety and health of
patients. Secondly, the tests are normally painless, quick and
don’t need to be repeated frequently unless a problem is
discovered.”
East Austin resident Sandy Wilder, 53, who had a colonoscopy
performed by Dr. Friedman, says the test was “surprisingly
easy.” A pre-procedure consultation on how to prepare for the
screening and what to expect during and after put her mind at
ease.
“The test was mildly uncomfortable but I was even able to watch
the procedure on the monitor,” says Wilder. “There’s truly
nothing to be embarrassed about and getting the test done helped
me avoid the possibility of something awful later on.”
So what’s the bottom line? Getting screened can save your life.
March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Talk to
your doctor about your risk for colorectal cancer and when and
how you should be tested. Then talk about what you learn with
the ones you love. Nobody should die from embarrassment.
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The Austin Diagnostic Clinic is
a multi-specialty clinic with physicians representing 24 medical
specialties at seven locations. For more information about The
Austin Diagnostic Clinic physicians and services, see the
website www.adclinic.com
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