What is a polyp?
 A polyp is a benign grape-like growth that grows on the lining of the colon. Nearly all colon cancers develop from these benign polyps.
Polyps grow slowly, usually over a period of years. The screening test called “colonoscopy” plays a key role in detecting polyps before they become cancerous. This test can also help find colorectal cancer in its early stages, when you have a good chance of recovery. When a polyp is identifed and removed during colonoscopy, colon cancer is practically prevented.
What is Colonoscopy?
This procedure is the most sensitive test for colorectal polyps and colorectal cancer. It's better at detecting polyps than is a barium enema X-ray alone. Colonoscopy is done using the colonoscope, which is a long, slender tube attached to a video camera and monitor — It allows your doctor to view your entire colon and rectum. If any polyps are found during the exam, your doctor may remove them immediately or take tissue samples (biopsies) for analysis. A colonoscopy takes about 20 minutes. You're likely to receive a mild sedative to make you more comfortable. Colonoscopy is very safe when done by an experienced gastroenterologist.
Any person, male or female, 50-year-old or older, should undego Colonoscopy, looking for polyps.
If a polyp is found, it can be removed immediately using certain specialized instruments passed through the colonoscope. This is proven to prevent colon cancer!
This recommendation is now endorsed by many respectable medical societies worldwide.
Conclusion:
Colorectal cancer is highly preventable. The screening test Colonoscopy detects polyps. Removal of these polyps can prevent colorectal cancer from developing.
6 Questions That Could Save Your Life (or the life of someone you love):
What you Need to Know about Colon Cancer Screening
March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) encourages everyone over 50, or those under 50 with a family history or other risk factors, to be screened for colorectal cancer.
Test Your Knowledge About Colorectal Cancer (CRC) Screening
If you think the answer is true or mostly true, answer true. If you think the answer is false or mostly false, answer false. Answers appear below.
Ouestions:
1.Colorectal cancer is predominantly a "man's disease", affecting many more men than women annually.
2.Only people over the age of 50 who are currently experiencing some symptoms or problems should be screened for colorectal cancer or polyps.
3.A colonoscopy-screening exam typically requires an overnight stay in a hospital.
4.Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer deaths in women in the United States.
5.Tests used for screening for colon cancer include digital rectal exam, stool blood test, barium enema, flexible sigmoidoscopy, and colonoscopy.
6.Colon cancer is often preventable.
Answers
1.False -
Colorectal cancer affects an equal number of men and women. Many women, however, think of CRC as a disease only affecting men and may be unaware of important information about screening and preventing colorectal cancer (CRC) that could save their lives, says the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.
2.False -
beginning at age 50, all men and women should be screened for colorectal cancer EVEN IF THEY ARE EXPERIENCING NO PROBLEMS OR SYMPTOMS.
3.False -
Colonoscopy is almost always done on an outpatient basis. A mild sedative is usually given before the procedure and then a flexible, slender tube is inserted into the rectum to look inside the colon. The test is safe and the procedure itself typically takes less than 30 minutes.
4.True -
After lung cancer and breast cancer, colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer deaths in women in the United States. Annually, approximately 130,000 new cases of colorectal cancer are diagnosed in the United States and 56,000 people die from the disease. It has been estimated that increased awareness and screening could save 30,000 lives each year.
5.True -
These are the 5 different tests used for screening for colorectal cancer even before there are symptoms. Talk to your healthcare provider about which test is best for you.
Current recommendations for screening* include:
- Beginning at age 50, men and women should have, at a minimum:
- An annual stool occult blood test
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy every three to five years, or a colonoscopy every ten years
- A digital rectal exam at the time of each screening sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, or barium enema
- *Important: You should begin screening earlier if you have a personal or family history of
colorectal cancer, polyps, rectal bleeding or long-standing inflammatory bowel disease such as
ulcerative colitis.
6.True -
Colorectal cancer is highly preventable. Screening tests such as colonoscopy and flexible sigmoidoscopy may detect polyps (small, grape like growths on the lining of the colon). Removal of these polyps can prevent colorectal cancer from developing.
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