What You Need to Know About Colonoscopy

When you turn 45, it’s time for a colorectal cancer screening.

OU may have heard stories about the “dreaded” colonoscopy: what the prep is like, what’s involved in the procedure or what

Yhappens afterward. T Newsome, MD, an internal medicine physician with Adventist HealthCare Adventist Medical Group helps to break down what to expect with this important cancer screening and when to consider newer stool-based tests.

45 45 WHEN SHOULD YOU START SCREENINGS? The American Cancer Society says cases of colorectal cancer are increasing in those younger than 50. As a result, it recommends people of average risk begin screenings at age 45.

“Screenings can identify cancer early and help prevent colon cancer by removing growths before they become cancerous,” Dr. Newsome said. If you have a family history of colon cancer or are diagnosed with certain gastrointestinal or genetic diseases, your doctor may recommend earlier screenings.

WHAT TYPES OF SCREENINGS ARE OFFERED?

Your doctor may recommend screening annually or every few years depending on the test. • At-home stool-based tests can be completed yearly or every three years, depending on the type. At-home tests look for abnormalities in your stool. If anything is found, you will need to follow up with a colonoscopy. • Visual exams look directly inside your colon and rectum to find any abnormal areas that may be cancer or polyps/ growths and could turn into cancer. These types of exams should be repeated every five to 10 years.

Dr. Newsome said, “While the newer stool-based tests are a great addition and should be used when appropriate, colonoscopies remain the best tool for identifying cancer early.”

WHAT IS A COLONOSCOPY REALLY LIKE?

We’ve heard the stories and maybe even joked about it with family and friends. Dr. Newsome said colonoscopies are not as bad as they are made out to be. Here are a few facts: • The prep is easier than it used to be.

Yes, you need to spend time in the bathroom, but you don’t have to camp out. Even the taste and the needed amount of the liquid prep solution have improved in recent years. • The procedure isn’t painful. You’ll be asleep and most people don’t remember the test. There is no pain once you wake up. Some people experience slight side effects from the sedation. • Colonoscopies are safe. The risk is minimal and outweighed by the benefit of early detection. Your risk of developing cancer is higher than any risk associated with the procedure.

Colorectal cancer screenings aren’t as bad as you may think. Talk with your doctor about which screening option is right for you.

Early detection is key to finding cancer early when it’s the most treatable. To learn your risk, take our colorectal cancer health risk assessment by visiting AHCYou.com/W22Risk.

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COMMUNITY BENEFIT

The Lourie Center Receives $2 Million Grant to Advance Mental Health Care for Children

DVENTIST HealthCare’s The Lourie Center for

AChildren’s Social & Emotional Wellness has received a five-year, $2 million grant to implement FASTT, its Family Attachment-focused Services, Treatment & Training program, in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties. The University of Maryland School of Social Work in Baltimore is the evaluation and training partner in the program.

The grant from the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration will increase access to critical early childhood mental healthcare by supporting workforce development in the field. With the funding, The Lourie Center will train its own team members, graduate students and community practitioners in best practices for early childhood mental healthcare. More trained professionals will make it possible to serve more at-risk children and families, improve the quality of care and reduce assessment wait times, which now can be as long as one year. Earlier intervention also will reduce the number of emergency room visits by children in crisis and help lessen family stress that often comes with socioeconomic challenges.

The FASTT program will serve children from birth to 12 years old with significant mental health complications. The children will benefit from The Lourie Center’s unique model, which provides care from a specialized team using attachment-centered, trauma-informed and equity-advancing principles. A national leader in early childhood mental and behavioral health interventions, The Lourie Center has Maryland’s only therapeutic nursery program focused on preschool children with mental health complications.

The Lourie Center also will become part of the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative, a network of U.S. service providers who share best practices, research results, training and strategies. “We’re proud of the work we do at The Lourie Center,” said Jimmy Venza, executive director. “The grant will allow us to extend our reach and impact.”