Women's Colon Center

None — Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in the U.S. The American Cancer Society estimates that, in 2010, 142,570 new cases of the cancer would be diagnosed in this country. The disease is also the third leading cause of cancer death, killing more than 51,000 men and women last year.

The risk for colorectal cancer increases with age. More than 90 percent of cases are diagnosed in people older than 50. Personal history of colon polyps or prior colorectal cancer also increases the risk. Other risk factors include: family history of the cancer, personal history of ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease (types of inflammatory bowel disease), a diet high in red and processed meats, lack of exercise, obesity, smoking and excessive consumption of alcohol.

Screening for Colon Cancer: Colonoscopy Most colorectal cancers form in benign growths, called polyps. These growths usually don't cause any symptoms, and only a small percentage of them turn into cancer. Still, because doctors can't tell which ones will become cancerous, experts say they should be removed. According to the American College of Gastroenterology, 75 to 90 percent of colorectal cancers can be avoided through early detection and removal of polyps.

The gold standard for colorectal cancer detection is colonoscopy. Patients are lightly sedated. Then, a flexible lighted tube, called a colonoscope, is inserted into the rectum and fed through the colon. A camera on the end of the colonoscope enables doctors to view the inside the rectum and colon during the procedure. If polyps are detected, they can be removed with special surgical instruments inserted through the colonoscope. The tissue samples are sent to a lab for analysis.

For people at average risk for colorectal cancer, health experts recommend a colonoscopy every ten years, beginning at 50. People at higher risk (because of family history of other risk factors) are often advised to begin screening at an earlier age.

The Women's Colon Cancer Center Researchers estimate that nearly 50 percent of those who should be getting colorectal cancer screening fail to get the recommended screening tests. There are many reasons why people don't get screened. Many people dislike the test preparation, which involves drinking an unpleasant liquid to cleanse the bowels (necessary to remove any material in the colon that could obstruct the camera's view). Because patients are sedated, they need to have someone take them home and they miss at least a day of work. Some people don't have access to health insurance to pay for the screening test. Others avoid colonoscopy because they are too embarrassed to have the test.

At Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, PA, female patients can request an all female colonoscopy team, reducing the feelings of embarrassment for some women.

Gastroenterologist, Stacy Prall, D.O., says the response to the female-catering center has been very good. Doctors are seeing more women who put off having the screening and are performing up to 11 colonoscopies a day.

AUDIENCE INQUIRY For general information on colorectal cancer or colonoscopy: American Cancer Society American College of Gastroenterology American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy National Cancer Institute National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

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