JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
The month of March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. CRC is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and third most common cause of cancer death in women and men. Early-onset CRC is on the rise, and about 10 percent of new colon cancer patients are under age 50. Fortunately, CRC is one of the most preventable and treatable cancers.
CRC is cancer of the rectum and colon. It often begins as a polyp, which is a small pre-cancerous growth that can gradually become cancerous. Many patients with CRC have no warning signs of the disease. Symptoms may include blood in the stool or on the toilet paper, unintentional weight loss, or a change in bowel habits and should be discussed with your provider.
A simple screening colonoscopy can remove polyps before they become cancerous. During a colonoscopy, the patient is first sedated and then a scope is inserted into the anus all the way to the beginning of your large intestine. The inside of your colon is displayed on a screen via a camera and the physician is able to see and remove any abnormal growths or polyps. A normal colonoscopy can last between 20 minutes to one hour depending on findings.
"Everyone is at risk for getting CRC," said Maj.Stephen Park, 11th Medical Group gastroenterologist. "That's why a screening colonoscopy is so important. People considered to be at average risk for CRC should have a colonoscopy starting at age 50, and then every ten years after that unless precancerous polyps are found, in which case a colonoscopy is typically advised every three or five years depending on a patient's specific findings."
Individuals may need to have screening done earlier if they have a relative with CRC. Some studies have shown that African Americans are at higher risk for CRC and may be diagnosed at a younger age than other ethnic groups, so screening in this population has been recommended by the American College of Gastroenterology starting at age 45, Park said.
While a colonoscopy is the preferred screening test, as it is the only test that can not only detect but remove polyps and prevent CRC, there are also other options for screening. If you have questions about these options, please discuss with your provider.
During the month of March, help spread awareness about CRC and recognize the bravery of those suffering from the disease. Most importantly, get a colonoscopy scheduled today! To schedule an appointment for CRC screening at Malcolm Grow Medical Clinics and Surgery Center, first get a referral from a primary care manager.
Pateints may also self-refer to the gastroenterology clinic at Fort Belvoir Community Hospital or Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Visit the following websites to see the requirements for self-referral:
http://www.fbch.capmed.mil/healthcare/gastroenterology.aspx
http://www.wrnmmc.capmed.mil/Health%20Services/Medicine/Medicine/Gastroenterology/SitePages/Home.aspx