Why might a colonoscopy save your life?

Despite much publicity over the last 10 years, colorectal cancer is still the 2nd leading cause of cancer death in the United States. More than 150,000 new cases of colon cancer are diagnosed every year, and over 55,000 patients die each year of the disease.

The vast majority of colon cancer starts as a benign (noncancerous) polyp, a small growth on the lining of the colon, the large intestine.  Left alone, a small percentage of these polyps grow over 5-10 years and become cancers.

The reason colonoscopy prevents colon cancer is that all polyps seen are removed during the procedure – thus preventing their growth and potential to become cancers.  Polyps are not uncommon – more than 1 in 5 people over 50 are found to have polyps.

Colon cancer doesn’t discriminate – it is nearly as common in women as in men, and found in every race and socioeconomic group.  We see it occur in athletes, vegetarians, and others with healthy lifestyles, although smokers are at higher risk.

Some people argue “Well I feel fine – why would I need a colonoscopy?  If I had polyps or a cancer, wouldn’t I have symptoms?”  Or “No one in my family had colon cancer – why would I?”  The answer is that polyps and colon cancer usually have NO SYMPTOMS, until the cancer is very advanced.  The best time to have a screening colonoscopy is while you feel great.  Of course, you should also be tested if you have symptoms such as rectal bleeding or any change in bowel pattern.  And keep in mind that although having a family history of colorectal cancer does increase your risk, over 70% of patients with colon cancer had no family history of the disease.  Those with a  family history are usually advised to be screened earlier than age 50 – ask your doctor.

If everyone over 50 had a screening colonoscopy, most deaths caused by colon cancer could be prevented.

WCGG has an Open Access colonoscopy program, where generally healthy patients can schedule a colonoscopy over the phone, and all pre-procedure paperwork is handled by mail – eliminating the need for an office visit.  Call our office at (610) 431-3122 for more details.  Of course, those wishing to discuss the procedure in more detail are encouraged to schedule an office visit prior to the procedure, to meet the doctor and have all their questions answered.

Patients with chronic illnesses such as heart disease, stroke, severe diabetes, anemia, or bleeding will require a pre-colonoscopy office visit with a West Chester Gastrointestinal Group physician.  Medical records will be needed from your primary doctor as well.

Lastly, keep in mind that all colonoscopies are not equal. Studies have shown that physicians who had formal gastrointestinal endoscopic training over 2-3 years, who take the proper amount of time during the examination, and who do many such procedures, have the best results and find the most polyps. All WCGG doctors meet these guidelines, and each typically performs between 1000 and 2000 procedures per year.

For more information on colon cancer and screening, click on: http://www.acg.gi.org/patients/gihealth/colon.asp