A Colonoscopy Proves Efficiency with Lowest Rates in 10 years
According to a recent report published in the CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, colon cancer rates have fallen by 30 percent over the past decade in patients over the age of 50. We know that no one wants to get a colonoscopy, but with these phenomenal numbers, there really is a drawback from evading colon cancer screenings.
Colon cancer is one of the few cancers that allow doctors to screen for diseases right at the source. A colonoscopy is a procedure that inserts a flexible tube and mini-camera into the rectum to observe the colon for unusual growths, called polyps. If polyps are present, the physician removes them upon detection before they turn malignant.
Research shows that the number of Americans ages 50 to 64 who have undergone a colonoscopy has nearly tripled, increasing from 19 percent in 2000 to 55 percent in 2010. Statistics also showed a great increase during the same decade among people over the age of 65, jumping from 55 percent to 64 percent. Fortunately these numbers are expected to continue its rise and the American Cancer Society sets the goal of screening 80 percent of eligible patients by 2018.
What is Colon Cancer?
Colorectal cancer is the third most leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. with estimates of 136,000 Americans to be diagnosed this year. It is a cancer that starts in the colon or the rectum. These can also be referred to as colon cancer or rectal cancer depending where they are found. If cancer cells are discovered in polyps then they eventually grow into blood vessels or lymph vessels. Once cancer cells spread into these vessels they become mobile and travel into nearby lymph nodes or distant body organs such as the liver.
How Does a Colonoscopy Help?
The most effective prevention method of colon cancer is by way of screening through a colonoscopy. Early detection and removal of colorectal polyps before they turn cancerous has shown a significant decline in colon cancer deaths. There are other less invasive forms of treatment, but a colonoscopy may still be needed if early testing cannot determine malignant polyps.
With the heavy increase of colonoscopy screenings, brings the most exciting news, a decline in colon cancer rates. In the most recent years, the annual rate of colon cancer detection fell by 7.2 percent a year from 2008 to 2010.
If you are approaching the age of 50, you may be recommended for a colonoscopy. The importance of this study is that people are finally getting the message – colon cancer can be prevented with early detection. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Tabib gastroenterologist to learn more about the colonoscopy in our Los Angeles office.
