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MARCH 12, 2008 —If someone told you there was a simple way you could reduce your risk for colon cancer by more than 70 percent – wouldn’t you jump at the chance? The simple fact is, regular screenings for colon cancer, combined with healthy lifestyle choices, can significantly reduce your risk for developing colon cancer. Regular screenings are also key to detecting colon cancer in its early stages – when it’s most treatable and highly curable.
Despite the obvious health benefits of prevention and early detection, many people are still hesitant to pursue preventive screenings for colorectal cancer. Whether the reason is fear or embarrassment, ignoring this disease and its symptoms allows it to claim thousands of lives every year.
According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI) approximately 150,000 Americans are diagnosed with colorectal cancer each year – and some 50,000 will die – more than breast cancer and AIDS deaths combined. While it is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, it is also one of the most preventable. According to the NCI, however, fewer than half of Americans are adequately screened for colorectal cancer beginning at the recommended age of 50 (or 40 with a family history of colorectal cancer).
“People delay being screened for colorectal cancer for a variety of reasons,” explains Omar Tamimi, M.D., a board certified gastroenterologist on staff at Kimball Medical Center and President of the hospital’s medical staff. “They may be afraid to find out that they have colon cancer, and if they do, what their prognosis will be. They may have concerns about undergoing a colonoscopy – afraid it might be painful or that they’ll have side effects from the anesthesia. And there are people who avoid the screening because they feel healthy and have no symptoms, so they consider undergoing a colonoscopy unnecessary.”
The truth is, that while colon cancer is a frightening diagnosis – the prognosis is best when it’s detected early. “There is up to a 90 percent cure rate with colorectal cancer when it’s detected early,” says Dr. Tamimi, “which is why regular screenings and early detection are so important.”
A colonoscopy is currently the most common and effective screening procedure in the prevention and early detection of colon cancer. According to Dr. Tamimi, patients are typically sedated with medications to ensure they are relaxed and comfortable throughout the screening procedure. At Kimball Medical Center, colonoscopies are performed as an outpatient procedure in the Special Procedures Department.
During a colonoscopy, a colonoscope – a thin, flexible tube-like instrument that includes a camera and light – is passed through the colon. The colonoscope projects a magnified view of the inner lining of the colon and rectum on a television monitor. The procedure allows gastroenterologists, like Dr. Tamimi, to closely examine the entire length of the colon for any abnormalities such as polyps or inflammation. During the procedure, any suspicious tissue or polyps that are found can be easily removed for biopsy.
Polyps are small benign clumps of cells that are often a precursor to colon cancer. “Ten to 30 percent of polyps will become cancerous,” Dr. Tamimi says. “That process,” he explains, “can take some seven to ten years, offering a long window of opportunity for effective screening, detection and removal of polyps to help prevent colorectal cancer.” He stresses the importance of regular screenings, “It’s important to participate in regular screenings in order to detect polyps before they become cancerous. It can also help find colorectal cancer in its early stages when you have the best chance for recovery.”
According to Dr. Tamimi, polyps rarely produce symptoms, but any change in bowel habits (including diarrhea, constipation or a narrowing of the stool), blood in the stool, unintentional weight loss, anemia, persistent cramping, gas or abdominal pain, should be reported to your doctor.
While colorectal cancer can occur at any age, it occurs most often in people over the age of 50, which is why the American Cancer Society recommends annual screenings beginning at age 50, and more frequently or earlier if other risk factors exist.
“In addition to age, if you have a personal or family history of benign polyps or colorectal cancer, you should talk to your doctor about being screened more frequently.” For those with a family history, Dr. Tamimi recommends starting screenings at age 40, or ten years earlier than the age of the youngest family member involved. “Also, people who have a history of inflammatory bowel diseases, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease are also considered to have a higher risk for developing colon cancer and need to be screened more frequently.”
In New Jersey, the law requires the state’s insurance companies to provide insurance coverage for appropriate colorectal cancer screenings. Mandatory insurance coverage is required for colorectal cancer screening at regular intervals for people age 50 and older, and for those people at any age with an elevated risk of colon cancer.
In addition to regular screenings for those over 50 or those at risk, the NIH recommends that a few simple changes in your diet and lifestyle can dramatically reduce your overall risk for developing this disease. These include getting regular exercise and maintaining a healthy body weight, eating a low-fat, high-fiber diet, getting recommended amounts of calcium and folic acid, limiting alcohol and quitting smoking.
March is National Colon Cancer Awareness Month. Take some time this month to find out if you may be at risk and schedule a colon cancer screening for yourself, and encourage those you love to do the same. If you’d like to contact Dr. Tamimi, or for a referral to another gastroenterologist on staff at Kimball Medical Center, call the Saint Barnabas Health Care Link at 1-888-SBHS-123. (888-724-7123).
CONTACT: Kristine A. Brown
Director of Public Relations
(732) 557-3902
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