Regular screenings can prevent colon cancer deaths
Among cancers that affect both men and women, colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control. However, more than half these deaths could be prevented if those who are 50 years and older underwent routine colonoscopy screenings (annual colonoscopies are recommended for African- Americans once they turn 45-years-old), says Tracy Quinn, DO, family medicine physician on staff at Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital.
In fact, Dr. Quinn encourages all her patients be screened once every 10 years if their colonoscopy is normal. “The quicker we can catch something, the easier it is to treat,” she stresses.
“Patients are usually very anxious about getting a colonoscopy, but, in reality, the test is simple and painless,” says Dr. Quinn. During the procedure, a gastroenterologist examines the colon and rectum with a fiber-optic camera attached to a flexible tube. Using this instrument, the large bowel and part of the small bowel are carefully scanned for abnormalities, such as ulcerations, lesions or polyps that may eventually lead to cancer if untreated. “Oftentimes, patients do not show any signs or symptoms when we detect a problem. That is why it is so important to have a regimented screening schedule. I recommend that patients schedule appointments around their birthdays so they do not forget.”
Dr. Quinn admits that the hardest part of a colonoscopy procedure may be the patient preparation. Patients need to fast for 12 hours before the procedure and take a laxative.
“The colon must be free from solid matter for the test to be performed properly,” she explains. “I suggest that my patients spend the day at home or wherever they are most comfortable during this time.” Before the procedure begins, patients can opt to be mildly sedated, which is called “twilight anesthesia,” or choose not to undergo any type of sedation. The colonoscopy takes about 10 minutes to 20 minutes, and patients will spend an additional 20 minutes in the recovery area before they are escorted home. They can resume all their normal activities the next day.
Dr. Quinn also recommends undergoing a traditional colonoscopy rather than an X-ray, which is not as reliable. “Virtual tests that produce pictures of the colon and rectum can often miss abnormalities or detect growths that are not really there,” she says. Also, if a polyp or lesion is detected during one of these tests, a patient would need to return to the hospital at a later date for surgery.
“During a colonoscopy, abnormal growths can be removed or biopsied immediately. Being able to do this is a benefit, both physically and mentally, to patients,” she said. If lesions are too big to be safely removed during a colonoscopy, the patient would have to see a surgeon at a later date.
“Ever since Medicare approved colonoscopies, incidences of colon cancer have diminished. This is truly a lifesaving screening,” said Dr. Quinn.