“We have made a commitment to join more than 140 organizations across the United States focused on eliminating colon cancer,” said Chad Schaeffer, director of the Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center (ECCC) at Cabell Huntington Hospital (CHH). The commitment is part of a nationwide campaign called 80% by 2018 with a shared goal of 80% of adults ages 50 and older being regularly screened for colorectal cancer by 2018.
Colorectal cancer affects men and women of all racial and ethnic groups and is most often found in people age 50 and over. It is the second leading cancer in the United States but if found early it is the easiest to treat.
“People think that a colonoscopy is the only screening available to detect colorectal cancer,” said Jennifer Brown, RN, colorectal program navigator at the ECCC. “Although a colonoscopy is the most precise, there are several options.”
Screening tests can find cancer and polyps, abnormal growths in the lining of the colon. These polyps can turn into cancer over time. Several different screening tests can be used:
- A colonoscopy uses a mild sedation to relax the patient while a long, thin, flexible, lighted tube is inserted into the rectum to check for polyps or cancer through the entire colon. During this test, the physician can find and remove most polyps.
- A high-sensitivity fecal occult blood test (FOBT) can be conducted at home using a kit obtained from a physician.
- A flexible sigmoidoscopy is another option and is similar to a colonoscopy; however, only the lower third of the colon is examined.
“A physician will make the best determination of what test should be used, based on your history, symptoms and age,” Brown explained. “Learning about the signs, symptoms and risks and being proactive with your health are the best ways to tackle this disease.”
For more information about colorectal screenings, visit the web at www.cabellhuntington.org and type in colorectal cancer in the search bar.
