Member News Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 21, 2008

Many Adults Not Getting Colon Cancer Screenings

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers today and the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. In many cases, the disease can be detected, prevented and even cured. Yet according to a recent study, about 42
million Americans age 50 and older who are at average risk for colorectal cancer have not received the recommended screenings. Most colorectal cancer develops after age 50, which is why the American Cancer Society and the U.S. Preventive
Services Task Force recommend beginning regular colorectal cancer screenings at age 50.

 “No one knows the exact cause of colon cancer, but we do know some of the risk factors,” says Riten Sheth, M.D., gastroenterologist and chairman of the Endoscopic Committee at Silver Cross Hospital. “Although most cases occur in
people over 65 years of age, your chances of developing colon cancer are higher if you have any of the following:

  • Are 50 years of age or older.
  • Have a family history or personal history of colorectal cancer.
  • Have a personal history of colorectal polyps.
  • Have inflammatory bowel or Crohn’s disease.

Screening Should Start before Symptoms Colorectal cancer is often symptom-less in its earliest and most curable stages.
Screening helps detect polyps so they can be removed before turning cancerous. Symptoms of colorectal cancer may include:

  • any change in the usual pattern or frequency of bowel habits
  • diarrhea, constipation, or a feeling that your bowels have not emptied completely
  • blood in the stool that is either bright-red or very dark
  • stools that are narrower than usual
  • frequent gas pains, cramping, or bloating.

Don’t let worries of embarrassment or discomfort stop you from getting the screening you need. Early detection of colon cancer can save lives. Discuss these screening options with your doctor to decide the best method for you.

Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT). This test detects the presence of blood in the stool, which is a warning sign for colorectal cancer. Many factors can interfere with the accuracy of this screening procedure; so follow-up testing is necessary
to confirm positive results.  A small sample of stool is collected at home using a kit and tested for blood in a laboratory. Silver Cross is distributing free colon cancer kits during March.  For a free colon cancer kit, visit www.silvercross.org or call 1-888-660-HEAL.

Flexible Sigmoidoscopy. For this test a thin, lighted tube is inserted into your rectum. With this device, your doctor can see about 27 inches into your colon, which is far enough to identify about 80% of cancers and polyps, because they
tend to accumulate toward the lower end of your bowel. If this method of screening is chosen, it is recommended that it be done every five years for people aged 50 to 80 years.

Combination Flexible Sigmoidoscopy and FOBT. You and your doctor may decide to use both flexible sigmoidoscopy and FOBT to screen for colon cancer. This approach includes an annual FOBT and a flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years.

Colonoscopy
This is the best test doctors have for finding and removing colorectal polyps. The day before the test, you will do a bowel prep to cleanse your colon. You will be given instructions for this. Just before the test, you are given a medication to relax you that wears off quickly after the test.  Then, a long, flexible, lighted tube called a colonoscope is gently inserted into the rectum
and guided through the entire colon. Images of the colon are viewed on a video screen. Any polyps that are found are removed and sent to a lab for testing. If a polyp can’t be removed, a sample of tissue is taken and the polyp is removed later during surgery. The colonscopy takes about 15 to 20 minutes and is usually done every 10 years beginning at age 50.

“You may not know you have colorectal cancer because there are no warning signs in the early stages of the disease,” says Dr. Sheth.  “If you have a change in your bowel habit, such as bloody or black stools, your doctor will recommend that your colon be examined. The best way to know if you have colorectal cancer-before you have symptoms-is to be screened for the disease.”

To schedule an appointment for a colonoscopy, call 1-888-660-HEAL (4325).  A Silver Cross advisor will determine if you are a candidate for screening, answer your insurance questions, and help set-up your appointment with a physician.

Silver Cross Hospital, a not-for-profit healthcare provider, has been creating world-class health care experiences for the southwest suburban communities for over a century. Silver Cross has been recognized as a Solucient 100 Top Hospitals® National Award winner for the past three consecutive years and as one of America’s Most Customer Friendly Hospitals by the American Alliance of Healthcare Providers. Exceptional care. It’s not unusual. It’s simply the way you should be treated.