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Our weekly news column bringing the most current, non-biased health
information to the consumer. |
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February 16, 2010 |
A Publication of QVHD |
A Curable Cancer
By: V. Deborah Culligan, RN, MPH,
Deputy Director QVHD
Do you know what the
second most common cancer in the U.S. is? It is colon cancer. But the
good news is that the death rate from colon cancer has been declining
for the pas 20 years. This is largely due to more and earlier screening
and improved treatment. Early detection can lead to cure rates as
greater than 90%, depending on the stage and classification.
Almost everyone knows their cholesterol and blood pressure levels. These
screening tests are easy to get and are not uncomfortable or
embarrassing. Unfortunately, screening tests for colon cancer are
uncomfortable and embarrassing, but given the cure for early detection,
these tests are well worth it!
Family history of colon cancer and other colon diseases make you a more
likely candidate for the disease. Other risk factors may include a high
fat (low fiber) diet, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, smoking,
excessive alcohol use, over weight and/or a sedentary lifestyle.
Guidelines for screening for person with an average risk of cancer (no
history of polyps, family colon cancer or other risk factors) are as
follows: They are as follows:
- A yearly fecal occult blood test should be performed. This is a
test looks for blood in the stool can be a symptom of cancer. The
sample is usually obtained at home.
- Beginning at age 50 and every five years there after, a flexible
sigmoidoscopy should be performed.
- An alternative to the above two choices, a person may choose a
barium enema (beginning at age 50 and every 5-10 years there after).
- A colonoscopy every 10 years, which examines further up into the
intestines. This is a expensive, more invasive procedure, which
requires sedation.
For persons with a family history of colon cancer, polyps, or
ulcerative colitis, the screening recommendation vary, sometimes
starting as young as age 25. Genetic blood testing may also be
indicated. Consult your health care provider. If you have a family
history of colon cancer and you do not have a doctor, get one and get
screened.
There are some diseases for which early detection will not affect the
outcome. But for many diseases, early detection can mean the difference
between life and premature death. Get screened for colon cancer
appropriately. Warning signs of this disease include: a change in bowel
habits; blood in the stool; bloating, fullness or stomach cramps; a
feeling that the bowel doesn't empty completely; unexplained weight
loss; and anemia of unknown cause, weakness and fatigue. (Some of these
symptoms can be associated with other conditions.)
For many people, the preparation for a colonoscopy is worse than the
actual test. However, there are new strategies being used to help make
the prep easier. Harvard Health Letter, in its January 2010 newsletter
has prepared an article on preparing for a colonoscopy. Call QVHD for a
copy. For written information on colon cancer and preparing for a
screening test, District residents can call QVHD, 248-4528 or request on
line, www.qvhd.org.
| An Ounce of Prevention is a
publication of the Quinnipiack Valley Health District, located at
1151 Hartford Turnpike, North Haven, CT 06473. Telephone:
248-4528. An Ounce of Prevention is
written by V. Deborah Culligan. The articles are published in the following local newspapers, The Advisor &
Beth-Wood News.
The content is provided as health education and
information to help you make health decisions. It is not intended to
be legal or medical advice, or substitute for recommendations made
by your health care provider. Address all comments to the district
office. |
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