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Health Focus: Colorectal Cancer

Colon cancer, properly named colorectal cancer, is easily prevented, and can be successfully treated 90 percent of the time … when detected early.

It is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in men and women in the U.S.

“Routine colon cancer testing can actually prevent the disease from occurring,” said Dr. Dawn Sears, a gastroenterologist at Scott & White in Temple, Texas.

“The single biggest risk factor for men and women is age. If you are over 50, you have the greatest risk of developing colorectal cancer, so screening is vital. Unfortunately more than half of those who should don’t undergo regular screenings.”

According to the American Cancer Society, about 26,000 lives each year could be saved if everyone over the age of 50, where 90 percent of colorectal cancer cases occur, were screened for the disease.

Methods for screening include:
  • flexible sigmoidoscopy
  • colonoscopy

The colonoscopy serves double-duty; it is both a diagnostic tool and it provides a therapeutic service. If a polyp is discovered on the wall of the intestine during a colonoscopy screening, it can be immediately removed, preventing it from possibly developing into cancer.

“The most important message I can give a person is don’t delay getting screened. If you are over 50 and healthy, you should schedule your screening today,” said Dr. Sears.

More information about colorectal cancer, the risk factors, symptoms and other facts are available at these Web sites:

Scott and White Colorectal Cancer Screening Program or www.cancer.org.

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