If you’re over the age of 45, health experts recommend getting screened for colon cancer. The quick procedure can tell doctors a lot about your health.
“I give patients the guidelines that we use for screening and preventative health. One of those is colon cancer screening. I generally go through the steps of what colon cancer screening is, and I break that down between non-invasive and invasive means,” says Dr. Cliff Snellgrove, Internal Medicine Provider at Arnot Health, a Member of Centralus Health.
Invasive testing options include colonoscopy, a sedated procedure where a doctor uses a flexible camera scope to examine the rectum and colon for cancer, polyps, and disease, and flexible sigmoidoscopy, a faster non-sedative alternative to traditional colonoscopies. Non- invasive testing options include stool cards, where fecal samples are used to detect blood; FIT tests, that look for antibodies that are found in cancerous tissue; and DNA tests, that look for biological markers for colon cancer.
“I give them the pros and cons for all testing options. I usually explain to them that the gold standard is colonoscopy, because it’s a direct visualization of the colon. Any of the non-invasive tests, if they’re positive, require them to get a colonoscopy anyway.”
People under the screening age who notice a change in bowel habits, or experience pain or discomfort, shouldn’t rule out the possibility of a colonoscopy. Robert Burnham battled gastrointestinal discomfort for years and decided to have a conversation with his provider. A simple conversation about his symptoms lead to quick intervention.
“My first exam was on July 5th, 1990. I had a problem for quite a while and begged my doctor to get in to see me. Within the first 48 hours of that visit, I had a colonoscopy.”
His first screening was far from his last, with initial results that were shocking.
“The staff was great, but the fact that I was diagnosed with Inflammatory Bowel Disease didn’t set things off to a good start. Like anything else, you have to learn to live with it.”
The diagnosis meant monitoring and more frequent exams. Over the next few decades, Robert would learn just how important colon cancer screening is. His provider caught something before it could cause any long-term complications.
“Ten years ago, because of the care and guidance of the team, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer.”
Doctors incorporate prostate cancer screening into colonoscopy screenings, taking the opportunity to look for abnormalities.
“Every man gets their prostate checked and, in my case, it had to come out.”
Preventative screening saved Robert from more doctor’s appointments, treatments, and the many health complications associated with cancer.
“Colon cancer, prostate cancer—any cancer, if it’s preventable or treatable— should get screened. Screenings save lives. Any screenings, for men or women, save lives.”
Dr. Snellgrove says some patients have concerns about the safety of colonoscopies.
“That is a question that comes up, but by the time they’ve talked to a gastroenterologist, those questions have already been answered in more detail.”
According to the CDC, colorectal cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer in the United States. Health experts say the risks of skipping screening, such as undetected cancer, far outweigh the rare complications of the procedure.
“I strongly recommend everyone talk to their doctor about colon cancer screening at the appropriate time. One in seven of all colon cancer diagnoses happen under the age of 50. That’s a relatively new development.”
Cayuga Health Gastroenterology is located at 1020 Craft Road, Suite C, in Ithaca and 220 Steuben Street in Montour Falls. Arnot Health Gastroenterology is located St. Joseph’s Hospital, 571 St. Joseph’s Boulebard, Suite 307, Elmira
