ITS MARCH 2010-COLON & RECTAL CANCER SCREENING MONTH
Colon and rectal Cancer is one of the most preventable cancers we face. It starts as a small polyp, called an adenomatous polyp. All colon cancers come from these polyps, but all of these polyps do not become colon cancer. Why some do and some don't, is a mystery. However, it is estimated that if a polyp is going to become a cancer, it takes an estimated 5 years to do so on the average. During that time, most polyps do not bleed or cause a positive stool test. Thus the importance of getting screened with colonoscopy on a regular basis.

Our recommendations are to start screeing at age 50 for the average risk patient and then every five years thereafter. An average risk patient is a patient over age 50 and no personal or family history of colon cancer. Higher risk patients, those with a family history of colon cancer or colon polyps should start earlier at age 40 and have colonoscopy every five years. Those patients with a personal history of either colon cancer or colon polyps, should have colonoscopy every three years.

Those patients who are symptom-free and qualify for screening colonoscopy based on the above criteria, can call our office and schedule without the need of an initial office visit. Should a patient have any symptoms (rectal bleeding or change in bowel habits, such as bloating,abdominal pain or constipation), then an initial office visit is recommended prior to colonoscopy.

To schedule your screening colonoscopy, call toll-free (1-877-706-5385)