There’s a list of reasons many of us give as to why we don’t need a colonoscopy. I can’t take time off work. I heard the preparation is terrible. I don’t have any symptoms. That sounds embarrassing. Yet, the list of reasons why we do need one make all of those excuses seem trivial. Colon cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men and women in the United States. Colon cancer may not present with any symptoms. Yet, colon cancer is one of the most preventable cancers when polyps are discovered and removed through colonoscopy screening. Convincing, right? Yet there are 24 million Americans today who should schedule a colonoscopy, but have not.
Colon cancer screening is recommended for anyone 50 and older and earlier for those with a family history or symptoms. Colonoscopy is the most accurate screening test for cancers of the colon and rectum. When a possible pre-cancerous polyp, a precursor of colon cancer, is discovered through colonoscopy screening, the physician is able to remove the polyp before cancer develops. Polyps are found in as many as 15 percent of women and 25 percent of men 50 and older when a colonoscopy screening is performed. Research has found removing polyps can cut the death rate from colorectal cancer by 53 percent, according to a 2012 study published in The New England Journal of Medicine.
Other obstacles to scheduling a colonoscopy screening are getting easier to overcome as well. Whereas patients used to drink a gallon of solution to clear their bowels, today there are half-gallon and split dose options. Patients can take one dose at night and one the next morning to help reduce the discomfort of preparing for the screening. Also, most patients are under gentle sedation during the colonoscopy, so they remain comfortable the entire time. Many patients, in fact, have no recollection of the procedure.
The truth remains that we are all at risk for colon cancer. One in eighteen American men and women will get colon cancer in their lifetime. Despite the evidence, too many Americans are putting off having a colonoscopy. March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Once again, we are raising awareness to encourage New Mexicans who need to schedule a colonoscopy screening to go ahead and do so. We know it is not the most loved cancer screening, but colonoscopy is a powerful tool to preventing cancer. It could save your life! Through our month-long campaign, Now that’s Embarrassing! Colon Cancer Screening Isn’t, we encourage you to learn more about colon cancer screening and prevention.
We are pleased to offer the option of Open Access Colon Cancer Screening. Open Access allows the patient or referring physician to schedule a screening colonoscopy without a prior full gastrointestinal specialty consultation with one of our providers. Open Access is appropriate for healthy patients who need a routine screening colonoscopy and who have no serious medical conditions. Patients with medical issues are advised to meet with one of our providers for a consultation and detailed history to ensure that it is safe for the patient to have a colonoscopy.
Open Access is recommended for:
- Asymptomatic healthy individuals over 50 years old
- Individuals with a family history of colon cancer over 40 years old
- Any individual with a personal history of colon cancer or colon polyps
Care Concierge is available to answer questions and help schedule a screening appointment or consultation. Please call 505-727-2727 in Albuquerque or 575-625-3222 in Roswell or click here.