The weekly Prescriptions for Health column is part of an ongoing community health education effort by Franklin Memorial Hospital to provide information on an important health topic by its medical staff, with support from intern Sam Bennett, a junior at the University of Maine at Farmington majoring in biology and creative writing.
By G. Thomas Marshall, MD, FACS
Have you been screened for colon cancer?
Screening for colon cancer is an important part of staying healthy, especially for older people. It’s recommended that both men and women should start getting screened for colon cancer at age 50 and continue to be screened regularly. If you want to know more about how colon cancer screening works and how it can benefit you, read on.
Colon cancer is the third most common cause of cancer-related death in the U.S., according to a study by the American Cancer Society. Fortunately, if colon cancer is detected early, it can be treated effectively. Screening can detect precancerous polyps and very early cancers and prevent people dying from this disease.
There are a number of different ways you can be screened for colon cancer, including colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, and a stool test. Each test has its own advantages and disadvantages, and there has not been enough evidence to determine if any of these methods are better than others. Your best bet is to talk to your doctor about which one is best for you. But all of the tests can potentially save your life.
Once you start being screened for colon cancer, it’s best to stick with it. The CDC recommends beginning screening at age 50 and continuing until age 75. However, some people are at a higher risk for colon cancer than others and may need to start screening earlier or be checked more frequently. People who are at a higher risk for colon cancer include those with a family history of the disease or those with inflammatory bowel disease including Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis. Some families have a history of multiple colon polyps and a high risk of cancer. If you fall into these groups, consider talking to your doctor about the right way to approach screening.
Finally, it’s important to note that there’s a difference between screening and diagnostic tests. Screening is something that should be done before symptoms develop so a disease can be treated before it becomes serious, while diagnostic tests are performed after symptoms appear to identify their cause. Therefore, colon cancer screening should be started even if you don’t notice any problems. If you notice pain in the lower abdomen, unexplained weight loss, bloody stools, or changes in your bowel habits, these may be signs of colon cancer and reasons to see a doctor.
As we get older, we want to stay healthy. That’s why it’s important to stay up to date on your health and watch for problems so you can be treated while you have the chance. Screening for colon cancer is just one way you can enjoy a long, healthy life.
Dr. G. Thomas Marshall is a board-certified surgeon practicing with Dr. Eric Gunther and Dr. Robert Chagrasulis at Franklin Health Surgery. Dr. Marshall received his medical degree from the University of Connecticut School of Medicine. He then completed his residency training in general surgery at Maine Medical Center, and a fellowship in surgical endoscopy at Mt. Sinai Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio. Dr. Marshall’s professional interests include a broad range of general surgery, including laparoscopy and endoscopy.
