COLORECTAL CANCER STRATEGIES FOR DETECTION & PREVENTION
“Of the precancerous and cancerous conditions in humans, no where is the ability to prevent more profound as it is in colorectal cancer.”
Colorectal Cancer 3rd leading cause of cancer behind breast and lung • 150,000 new cases per year • 50,000 deaths per year • Nearly completely preventable •
The Problems People wait for Medicare • People think testing needs to be done yearly in • order for it to be effective People fear the procedure ie – unknown, pain, • risks, embarrassment Cost involved – not covered by some insurance •
The Solution Screen the precursor lesions – adenomatous • colon polyps Remove polyps before they become • cancerous
Age of Screening Colonoscopy Awareness of colon cancer risks • President Regan – January 1986 • Katie Couric had a colonoscopy on • TV – The Today Show in March of 2000
Age of Screening Colonoscopy 2001 – Medicare changes policy to cover • screening colonoscopy Over the last 5 years, individual states have • mandated colorectal screening coverage
“Did You Check My Colon for Flat Polyps, Doc?”
Detection of Flat Polyps Best detected with HD • Use of NBI to define border • Excellent prep • Look for bilious colored mucous that does not • easily wash off
The Solution • Colon Screenings Regular screenings can save lives • identify polyps and result in cancer prevention • Only 50% of the population is being screened • Screen regardless of symptoms • 70% of cancer cases arise in John Q. Public •
The Solution High Quality Examination • High Definition Equipment • Experienced Endoscopist • Excellent Prep • Anesthesiologist in charge of sedation •
When Should I Have A Colon Screening? No Family History • Caucasians and Hispanics – 50 years of age • African Americans - 45 years of age • Family History • 40 years of age •
Prevention Regular Screenings • Diet • High Fiber, Low Fat • Supplements • Aspirin, Calcium, Folic Acid, Vitamin D • Alcohol Moderation • Avoid all forms of tobacco • Physical Conditioning •
Gilda Radner Quote “Doctors are whippersnappers in ironed white coats, Who spy up your rectum and look down your throats, And press you and poke you with sterilized tools, And stab at solutions that pacify fools. I used to revere them and do what they said Till I learned what they learned on was already dead.”
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