Daniel Prince
Inflatable colon calls attention to colorectal cancer
The first floor lobby of Union Medical Center played host to a large, inflatable colon Wednesday. The visual aid served as a reminder of the importance of screening for colorectal cancer, which is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in America. Colorectal cancer will affect 1 in 23 men and 1 in 25 women. Early detection is key, as patients have a 90% chance of survival if the cancer is detected early. Screening is recommended starting at age 45, or even earlier if you are at high risk of developing the cancer. Those most at risk are those with a family history of the disease, those over the age of 45, those with certain genetic conditions, those with diagnoses such as ulcerative colitis, IBD, or Crohn’s Disease; and those of certain ethnicities, including African Americans, Jewish people of Eastern European descent, Native Americans, and Alaskan natives. A colonoscopy is the main way to screen, but there are a couple of less-invasive screenings, as well. A multitarget stool DNA test, also known as Cologuard, is done at home, where a stool sample is collected and sent in for examination. Another is the fecal immunochemical test or fecal occult blood test, which is a similar process. Talk to your primary care physician to find out which option is best for you.