Written by the Mississippi Valley Endoscopy Center
The numbers are staggering. The American Cancer Society estimates that this year 92,520 people will be diagnosed with colon cancer — making it the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in men and women.
However, there’s a more positive statistic that’s great to know: the colon cancer survival rate is 90 percent with early detection. Dr. Sreenivas Chintalapani with the Gastrointestinal Clinic of the Quad Cities believes that understanding the importance of early screening is the key to beating the disease.
“Colon cancer can go undetected because the symptoms aren’t prevalent until the cancer becomes more advanced and spreads. Polyps grow in the colon and rectal areas, and usually start out benign, or noncancerous. The polyps continue growing, and a few of them may begin developing into cancer,” says Dr. Chin. “But when colon cancer is found in its early stages, it is very treatable.”
One of the most common types of screening is the colonoscopy, a simple and safe procedure in which the doctor uses a high-tech tube equipped with a light and camera, called a scope, to detect polyps.
According to Dr. Chin, colonoscopies are often much easier than patients anticipate. He explains that the expert staff at the Endoscopy Center, 3400 Dexter Ct. #200, Davenport, IA, help create a better overall experience.
“The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) Unit Recognition Program has honored the Mississippi Valley Endoscopy Center for demonstrating a commitment to patient safety and quality as evidenced by meeting the program’s rigorous quality criteria,” says Dr. Chin. “The caring and professional staff make patients feel at ease.”
If you’re still unsure about the importance of colonoscopies and what you can expect during the procedure, check out these “fast facts” about the procedure.
Fast facts about colonoscopies
Know the risk factors. Research has shown people with certain risk factors are more likely than others to develop colorectal cancer. Although no one knows the exact cause of colorectal cancer, pay particular attention to these factors:
- Age over 50: Colon cancer becomes more common as people get older. In fact, more than 90 percent of people with this disease are diagnosed after age 50. The average age at diagnosis is 72.
- Increase in colorectal cancer in the young ages between 30–50: Previously, these ages were missed based on current guidelines, so it is important for these patients to be extra cautious and not ignore any symptoms that may delay diagnosis and lead to bad outcomes in this young age group.
- Family history of polyps: If you or a family member has a history of polyps, you should be screened more frequently, as this puts you at a higher risk for colorectal cancer.
- Family history of colorectal cancer: First-degree relatives (parents, brothers, sisters, or children) of a person with a history of colorectal cancer are more likely to develop this disease, especially if the relative was diagnosed at a young age. If you have a close relative who has or has had colon cancer, the American Cancer Society recommends testing at age 40, or 10 years before the youngest case in the immediate family — whichever is earlier.
It’s easy to prepare for a colonoscopy. - Before a colonoscopy, you’ll need to empty your colon. Any residue in your colon may obscure the view of your colon and rectum during the exam. Your doctor will prescribe a special liquid to drink prior to the procedure.
- Standard practice includes not eating 24 hours before the procedure.
- Ask your doctor or the experts at the Endoscopy Center any questions you may have. Their goal is to provide you with the best information and make you as comfortable as possible.
The procedure itself usually takes 30 minutes or less. Here’s how the whole experience breaks down:
- Patients arrive 30 to 60 minutes prior to the procedure. They typically receive medicine to help them relax and fall asleep.
- While the patient is asleep, the doctor performs the colonoscopy in approximately 30 minutes.
- Afterwards, the patient awakens and receives information about the doctor’s findings. Most people are resting comfortably at home within a few hours.
To schedule your Screening Colonoscopy or to find out about other services offered, please contact our office at 563-359-9696 (Iowa) or 309-277-9220 (Illinois). Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/gicqc/.
For more information on colon cancer and to find a gastroenterologist, visit www.mvhealth.net, or connect on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MississippiValleySurgeryCenter.