Preventing Colon Cancer/ Screening

 


Q&A: Options for colon cancer screening

                                    by , For The Inquirer

 

Q&A: Options for colon cancer screening


  The human colon. Colorectal cancer occurs in the colon or rectum when abnormal growths, called polyps, form and become cancerous over time.

Question: Is the fecal smear test my best colorectal-cancer-screening option?

 

  Answer: Being screened for colorectal cancer is crucial. Of cancers that affect both men and women, colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second- leading cancer killer in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

  CRC occurs in the colon or rectum when abnormal growths, called polyps, form and become cancerous over time.

 

Symptoms of CRC can include weight loss, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, and anemia.

  However, the beginning stages of CRC may not show symptoms. Therefore, being screened is the best preventive method.

    There are several screening options available, including:

 

  The “gold standard” of colon screening is a colonoscopy. Patients prepare for a colonoscopy by drinking special “prep” liquids to clean the bowels. During the procedure, patients are sedated as a flexible colonoscope is inserted into the rectum. A gastroenterologist will look for polyps and other abnormalities. This screening test should be performed every 10 years after the age of 50, according to the American Cancer Society.

  FIT is a stool-based test that can be done at your home. A tiny amount of stool is placed into a vial, which you mail to a laboratory for analysis. There is no preparation needed for this test. If lab results show a positive result for abnormalities, the next step is to schedule a colonoscopy. FIT is good for early detection and should be performed every year.

  Flexible sigmoidoscopy with FIT is an alternative to both the colonoscopy and FIT tests. Flexible sigmoidoscope does not require a “prep” drink, but the patient does require several enemas to clean out the lower part of the colon. There is also no need for IV sedation, but you can opt to have it. For this test, a flexible tube is placed into the rectum and examines only the lower colon. This is similar to a colonoscopy, but it doesn’t scan the entire colon. If the lab results come back positive, schedule a colonoscopy. This test should be performed every five years along with a FIT test every year.

  Each colorectal screening test has its advantages and disadvantages. Talk to your doctor to decide which test is the right choice for you.

Steven Lichtenstein, D.O., is the chief of the division of gastroenterology at Mercy Health System.

The Home Doctor a Guide to Practical Medicine Review

This post contains an affiliate links to Home Doctor
 




Review;

  Home Doctor - Practical Medicine for Every Household

Authors: Claude Davis (Author, Editor), Maybell Nives (Author), Rodrigo Alterio (Author)

Rating: 4.4/5 (1,563 ratings)

  In this massive 304-page physical book, you'll discover DIY medical procedures and vital supplies to handle common health problems and emergencies at home. Written by frontline doctors from Venezuela, it's a valuable resource for when doctors and medicines may be hard to come by.  If you can remember the state of medical facilities in the past from hurricanes then you can appreciate the importance of this book.

  Dr. Maybell, one of the authors, developed ingenious methods to treat patients during Venezuela's economic collapse when hospitals and pharmacies ran out of supplies, electricity, and even running water.
  The book covers practical topics such as wound care, first aid, and essential medical supplies. It's an excellent addition to any survival library, offering a blend of medical expertise and preparedness knowledge. Remember the explicit images and the physical size when considering this book.
  
  The crazy cost of an emergency room visit is getting out of hand and out of the financial range for most people.  Even if you have a decent healthcare program you are likely to spend $120 to $265 just to get seen. Heaven forbid if you have to be admitted as an inpatient.  But what about the other essentials you'll need not to mention adding in the cost of food and other necessities. So instead of hitting the panic button why not be prepared for those emergencies with the knowledge that will have you prepared.  
 
   The Home Doctor is something that you should have around your home or at least someplace you can easily get to in case of an emergency.

  Click this link to find out more;  Home Doctor

Stay Healthy, Be Prepared

  M.N.Curry




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