Central Peninsula Hospital | Pulse | Winter 2019

PULSE Winter 2019 5 A rise in rates of colorectal cancer among young and middle-aged adults has spurred the American Cancer Society (ACS) to change its guidelines for when people should start screening for the disease. The ACS now recommends that peo- ple at average risk for colorectal cancer begin screening at age 45, five years earlier than the previous recommenda- tion of 50. People who are at increased risk for the cancer may want to start colorectal cancer screening before age 45 or be screened more often. Why the change? A study led by the ACS found that the incidence rates for colorectal cancer have been rising for adults younger than 50. In addition, the study found that people younger than 55 are more likely than older people to be diagnosed with late-stage colorectal cancer. The new ACS guidelines don’t quite match up with those of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, which still recommends screening for colorec- tal cancer at age 50. Many insurance providers offer coverage based on the Task Force’s recommendations, so check your coverage in advance of any testing. If a screening test could save your life, wouldn’t you do it? Then consider getting a colonos- copy. It’s one of the most sensitive tests for colon cancer, one of the lead- ing cancer killers in the U.S. But colon cancer doesn’t have to be so deadly. By some estimates, if every adult followed screening recommen- dations, most colon cancer deaths could be prevented. That’s because colon cancer usually starts from abnormal growths, called polyps, in the colon or rectum. Over time, these growths can turn into colon cancer. But a colonoscopy can find polyps before they’re cancerous. And doctors can remove polyps during the test, which stops cancer from ever starting. A colonoscopy can also find cancer early, when treatment is most effective. What you can expect Here’s how a colonoscopy works: A doctor inserts a thin, lighted tube into the rectum. The tube is connected to a video camera so the doctor can see inside your rectum and entire colon. If the doctor spots a suspicious polyp, he or she will likely remove it right away. Probably the worst part of the whole experience: the bowel prepa- ration you need to do beforehand to clean out your colon. But all that bathroom time could help add years to your life. And don’t be concerned that the test itself will be painful. You’ll be given medicine to make you sleep through it, so you won’t feel anything. Sources: American Cancer Society; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; National Institutes of Health Just say  YES to this test You can do it! Pick up the phone and call 907-714-4130 to schedule your colonoscopy. Talk to your doctor Most people should have a colonoscopy starting at age 45— and every 10 years after that if the results are normal. But ask your doctor what the best screening schedule is for you. New guidelines for colorectal cancer screening