| Tuesday, June 26, 2007 |
| COLONOSCOPY: THE GOLD STANDARD FOR DETECTING COLON CANCER |
Colon cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in the U.S. It is an equal opportunity disease, affecting both men and women regardless of race or ethnicity.
The majority of colon cancers begin as a polyp, an abnormal growth found on the wall of the colon or large intestine. When polyps are detected, they can be removed at the pre-malignancy state, thereby preventing the development of a cancer. The good news is that 95 percent of colon cancer can be prevented thanks to the screening colonoscopy, a procedure which allows a physician to view the interior lining of the colon using a flexible videoscope. The test is done with mild sedation (the patient is able to maintain their oral airway and protective reflexes) and is low risk.
Beyond age, risk factors include a family history of colon polyps or colon cancer as well as a personal history of Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.
Although colon cancer is known as "silent" stalker, there are symptoms to watch for.These include rectal bleeding or blood in the stool; a change in regular bowel habits; unexplained anemia; weight loss, and onset of lower abdominal pain. You should discuss any of these signs with your physician without delay.
THE BASICS
A Colonoscopy is recommended for adults beginning age 50. Never had one? It's time to schedule an exam. If results are negative and there is no family history of polyps or colon cancer, a repeat colonoscopy is recommended at 10 years. For a positive result a colonoscopy should be repeated in one to five years depending on the physician's recommendation.
If there is a family history, screening should begin 10 years prior to the age when that family member was first diagnose. again, consult with your primary care physician.
(Source:HEALTHY ATTITUDES MAGAZINE Summer 2007 issue) |
| posted by infraternam meam @ 2:49 PM |
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| About Me |
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Name: infraternam meam
Home: Chicago, United States
About Me: I am now at the prime of my life
and have been married for the past 25 years.
Sickly at times, but wants to see the elixir vita,
so that I will be able to see my grandchildren from my two boys.
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