Health Watch

Make It Happen:

GET SCREENED FOR COLORECTAL CANCER

Lake Regional Gastroenterologist Donald Thompson, M.D.

Story by ANITA HARRISON

COLORECTAL CANCER IS ONE OF THE LEADING CAUSES OF CANCER-RELATED DEATH IN THE U.S. But it doesn't have to be.

“Colorectal cancer screening saves lives,” said Lake Regional Gastroenterologist Donald Thompson, M.D. “There are multiple screening tests available, each with its own pros and cons.”

TYPES OF SCREENING TESTS

Screenings for colorectal cancer come in two main groups: • Stool-based tests • Visual exams

Stool-based tests look at your stool for possible signs of polyps—growths that sometimes turn cancerous—or for colorectal cancer itself. You collect samples of your stool to send to a lab for analysis. These tests don't require the kind of colon preparation needed for a colonoscopy. But you need to do them more often—sometimes every year.

A traditional colonoscopy is a visual exam. To prepare, you drink a mix of laxatives to clean out your colon. You’re sedated during the exam, and a scope is inserted into your rectum and moved through your colon. A doctor uses a camera on the end of the scope to look for precancerous polyps or signs of cancer. A major advantage of a colonoscopy: A doctor can remove any polyps discovered during this exam.

Any abnormalities found on stool-

based tests or a virtual colonoscopy require follow-up with a traditional colonoscopy.

WHEN SHOULD YOU BE SCREENED?

People at average risk for colorectal cancer should first be screened at age 45. Regular screenings should be done through age 75, as long as your life expectancy is more than 10 years. Screening until age 85 should be based on personal preference and risk.

People at higher risk for colorectal cancer—such as African Americans or those with a family history of the disease—should be screened earlier than age 45. If you're at increased risk, your doctor may suggest you get specific types of tests. You also may need to be tested more often.

“The most important thing is to get it done,” Dr. Thompson said. “The best test for you is the one you're most likely to do. So talk with your doctor about your risk and the various screenings available.”

Anita Harrison is the Public Relations Assistant Manager at Lake Regional Health Systems.

GET YOUR FREE SCREENING KIT

Lake Regional Health System is offering free colorectal cancer screening kits to lake-area residents through March 31. The fecal occult blood test checks for colorectal cancer but is never used to diagnose this condition. If your home test detects blood in your stool, call your primary care physician to schedule an appointment for further testing. If blood is not detected, you still are advised to talk with your doctor about your screening needs. To request your free kit, call Lake Regional Public Relations at 573348-8222.

KNOW THE SIGNS OF COLORECTAL CANCER

Call your doctor right away if you have any of the following signs of colorectal cancer. • Changes in bowel movements • Rectal cramping and/or bleeding • Dark patches of blood in the stool • Abdominal discomfort or bloating • Unexplained fatigue • Loss of appetite and/or weight loss • Pelvic pain

Lake Regional Gastroenterology

Lake Regional Gastroenterology provides care for conditions of the esophagus; stomach; small intestine; colon and rectum; pancreas; gallbladder; bile ducts; and liver.

To make an appointment, call 573-302-7138. 1029 Nichols Road, Suite 201, Osage Beach