Tennova Healthcare Encourages Colorectal Cancer Screenings
7/16/2018
American Cancer Society issues new colon and rectal cancer screening guidelines
Most people should now begin colorectal cancer screening at age 45, according to new guidelines released by the American Cancer Society (ACS). For years, the ACS has advised people at average risk of colon and rectal cancer to begin screening at age 50. Earlier screening has been reserved for people at increased risk.
But the ACS is now changing that advice—a shift largely driven by the fact that colorectal cancers are increasingly being diagnosed in younger Americans. With the release of the new guidelines, Tennova Healthcare is making a special effort to educate the community on the role of colonoscopies and other screening tools in the fight against colorectal cancer.
“Colorectal cancer is the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer among adults in the United States,” said A. Mike Tummers, M.D., a general surgeon with Tennova Healthcare. “Among cancers that affect both men and women, it’s also the second leading cause of cancer deaths. The good news is coloectal cancer is one of the most treatable and preventable diseases if caught early.”
The ACS estimates that more than 16,000 new cases of colon or rectal cancers will be diagnosed this year in Americans under age 50. Some people are at higher risk and should be screened earlier, including those with a personal or family history of inflammatory bowel disease; colorectal cancer or polyps; or ovarian, endometrial or breast cancer.
"Most people don’t realize that colon cancer is one of the few cancers that is, in many cases, preventable,” Dr. Tummers said. “It typically develops from a polyp that—over the course of a number of years—may become cancerous. So, there is often time to detect the polyps and remove them before they become cancer. In essence, colon cancer can be largely prevented by getting a colonoscopy and following through with regular screenings.”
The ACS recommends screenings that allow physicians to examine the interior of the colon because these tests not only detect cancer, but also prevent it by finding and removing polyps or growths that can potentially cause cancer. These tests include a flexible sigmoidoscopy (every five years); a colonoscopy (every 10 years); or a CT colonography or virtual colonoscopy (every five years).
“Polyps found during these procedures can be removed on the spot, simply and painlessly,” Dr. Tummers said.
Talk with your doctor about how your lifestyle or family history factor into your risk for colorectal cancer. For more information or to find a doctor, call 1-855-TENNOVA (836-6682).
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