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Home News March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

Published: Monday, February 23, 2009

Early Detection of Colorectal Cancer Saves Lives

 

Colon cancer screening is an important life-saving procedure necessary for the early detection and prevention of colorectal cancer. The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends that colon cancer screening begin at the age of 50 for both men and women. However, if there is a family history of colon cancer in a first degree relative (i.e. your mother or father) then screening should begin at the age of 45. If a person is of African American descent, screening should begin at the age of 45 regardless of family history. Colorectal cancer can be 90% curable if found in the earliest stages.

According to the American Cancer Society, almost 50,000 people are expected to die of colorectal cancer in 2009. It is estimated that half of these lives could have been saved if the recommended screening guidelines had been followed. Another concerning statistic is less than 50% of eligible East Tennesseans are screened for colon cancer. Here are the top reasons given for not getting screened.

• Unaware of screening guidelines
• Cost
• Procedure preparation

Current ACS colorectal cancer screening guidelines are outlined below.

Test	Benefits	Details	Test Frequency	Cost Range
Colonoscopy	Quick – on average 30 minutes to 1 hour Can remove polyps if found Can diagnose other diseases such as colitis and Crohn’s disease.	Full bowel prep needed. Sedation needed Examines the entire large colon	10 years	~$1,000.00
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy	Quick – on average 20 to 30 minutes   Colonoscopy would be needed if there are abnormalities detected.	Minimal bowel prep. Only examines 1/3 of the lower large colon	5 years	$150 - $300
Computed Tomographic Colonography (Virtual Colonoscopy)	Quick – on average 15 minutes. Colonoscopy needed if abnormalities are detected.	Full bowel prep needed. Examines the entire large colon No sedation needed	5 years	>$1,000.00 (Medicare and most insurance plans do not cover this procedure)

_{A complete list of colorectal cancer screening recommendations can be found at: ACS: Colorectal Cancer Facts & Figures 2008-2010.}

Colonscopy

Colonoscopy is considered the gold standard in colorectal cancer screening. Remember, the short period spent undergoing a colonoscopy can lead to the removal of polyps before they progress to cancer or the detection of colon cancer in the earliest, most curable stages. The goal of the colonoscopy prep is to eliminate all fecal matter from the colon so that the physician conducting the colonoscopy will have a clear view of the colon allowing a thorough exam and identification of any abnormalities. The actual procedure is done under mild sedation and most people do not remember it.

When preparing for your colonoscopy, remember that screening saves lives.

To learn more about colorectal cancer or other gastrointestinal disease states, please join The University of Tennessee Medical Center Colorectal Awareness Programs in March featuring presenters Dr. Keith Gray and Dr. Sandy Gulati. 

• March 24 5:30pm – 7:00pm The University of Tennessee Medical Center
• March 31 11:00pm – 1:00pm Messiah Lutheran Church

 

Light refreshments will be served. Reservations are recommended at 305.6055.

For more information on colonoscopy and colorectal cancer, visit the Cancer Institute.

Do you need colorectal cancer screening?