The First Step in Preventing Colon Cancer

Colon cancer is a very insidious disease that rarely manifests symptoms until it is in a very advanced stage. There is often no pain or discomfort. The best way to counteract colon cancer is prevention.

It is extremely important for ANYONE over the age of 50 to get a colonoscopy at least every 5 years if there are no polyps found. Younger persons who have sudden changes in their bowel movements, tarry stools (black or dark stools often are indicative of "old blood" which means that somewhere in the GI tract there is a lesion that is bleeding, that blood gets digested and is passed out as dark, tarry stool)should also undergo this procedure.

One of the best means of prevention is to take a test for blood in the stool. A simple test for occult blood can be performed very easily. By making a simple smear that can be mailed in to check for blood in the stool, individuals can often find out if they have occult blood, which is a high-risk for colon cancer and a colonoscopy should be performed ASAP.

Depending on the results of the occult blood test, a colonoscopy is indicated. The individual undergoes a 24-hour prep for the procedure and is put under sedation. The Gastroenterologist inserts a tube-like instrument ("scope")into the colon from the rectum which allows him/her to see exactly what is going on in the inside portion of the colon. If necessary, this scope is able to take a biopsy and also to take pictures of any abnormalities.

Once results of the biopsy are returned, the individual is given a follow-up visit with the GI doctor to discuss any polyps and whether those lesions are benign, pre-cancerous, or malignant. At that point, a plan of action is developed between doctor and patient.

It is important to detect colon cancer as soon as possible to increase the odds for successful treatment. The earlier the better! Waiting too long could mean the difference between life and death.