Staying Healthy

by DR CHRISTOPHER M. FUREY Primary Care

cluding the american Cancer society (aCs) and the united states Preventative task Force (usPstF) suggest that patients start screening at age 45. However, if you have a family history, or other symptoms be sure to discuss them with your primary care doctor, as you may need testing sooner than age 45.

How can I check for colon cancer?

there are several ways to test for colon cancer. the most common way to be screened is with a colonoscopy. During a colonoscopy, you are given sedation to make you very sleepy and relaxed. then a long, thin camera called a colonoscope is inserted to the colon and used to look for any polyps or cancers. the camera can also be used to remove polyps. Prior to the colonoscopy, you will be asked to “prep” using laxatives to clean out the colon prior to the procedure. many patients find that this is the most difficult part of the entire procedure. Be- cause a colonoscopy is a procedure there is a small risk of problems from the medications used for prep or during the procedure or of damaging the colon during the procedure. there are also non-invasive tests to look for colon cancer. One test that has become more common lately is the Cologuard test which looks for signs of polyps or cancer in the stool. this test is less invasive than a colonoscopy but does have some drawbacks. it should not be used for patients who have risk factors for colon cancer such as a personal or family history of colon cancer or certain types of polyps. it can also miss a small number of polyps or cancers, and if the test is abnormal, you will still need a colonoscopy to identify the problem. if your colonoscopy is normal, and you do not have any other risk factors for colon cancer, you should have repeat screening in 10 years. if you have a normal Cologuard test you should be tested again in 3 years.

How often should I be screened and when should I stop screening for colon cancer?

Currently, most groups suggest stopping colon cancer screening at age 75. However, additional tests may be suggested if a patient has a family history of colon cancer, or if previous tests were abnormal. to learn more about or to schedule a colorectal cancer screening please visit https://www.carenewengland. org/schedule-a-colonoscopy.