By Dr. Kelly Krier
If you knew that the majority of deaths from colorectal cancer could be prevented if every adult 50 years or older got tested, would you do it? Unfortunately, that message falls on deaf ears for millions of us.
March is colon and rectal cancer awareness month. We, at Surgical Associates, PC, want to partner with you to help decrease the rates of colon and rectal cancer. Prevention of this disease is key and can be done simply.
Colon and rectal cancer make up the third leading cause of cancer in both men and women. Unfortunately, it also is the second leading cause of cancer deaths. Colon and rectal cancer are called the “silent killers” because once you have symptoms, most of the time, it is more advanced disease. We have noticed a decline in the rates due to the increased rates of screening but not enough people are getting their colon and rectal cancer screenings done. Do not let this happen to you or your family members. Here in Nebraska only 65% of the eligible people for screening are actually getting it done.
Screening has more options now and it is important to work with your primary care provider or us, at Surgical Associates, PC, to find the option that works best for you. It is also important to remember that if you have a positive screen, DO NOT ignore it. Go the next step, follow it up with diagnostic testing. At Surgical Associates, PC, we are here and available to assist you with the next step you need after a positive screening test. We have short wait times to get into see a provider and easy to schedule procedures so you can get the answers you need.
Finding colorectal cancer early is the key to beating it!
Options for screening include:
| Colonoscopy | Examines entire colon Can biopsy and remove polyps Can diagnose other diseases Required for abnormal results from all other tests |
10 years |
| Computed tomographic colonography (CTC) | Examines entire colon Fairly quick Few complications No sedation needed Noninvasive |
5 years |
| Double-contrast barium enema | Can usually view entire colon Few complications No sedation needed |
5 years |
| Flexible sigmoidoscopy | Fairly quick Few complications Minimal bowel preparation Does not require sedation |
5 years |
| Stool Tests (Low-sensitivity stool tests, such as single-sample FOBT done in the doctor’s office or toilet bowl tests are not recommended.) | ||
| Fecal immunochemical test (FIT) | No bowel cleansing or sedation Performed at home Low cost Noninvasive |
Annual |
| High-sensitivity guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (gFOBT) | No bowel cleansing Performed at home Low cost Noninvasive |
Annual |
| FIT-DNA test (Cologuard®) | No bowel cleansing Can be performed at home Requires only a single stool sample Noninvasive |
3 years, per manufacturer’s recommendation |
| *Complexity involves patient preparation, inconvenience, facilities and equipment needed, and patient discomfort. | ||
