About colon cancer
Tens of thousands of Americans die from colon cancer every year. Colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death and the third-leading cause of newly diagnosed cancers in the United States. The American Cancer Society states that as many as 90% of all colon cancer cases and deaths are preventable with early detection through timely screening.
Screening for colon cancer
According to the American Cancer Society and other gastrointestinal societies, there are four recommended methods for colon cancer screening. Colonoscopy is almost 90% sensitive in detecting polyps and cancers. The other recommended tests are significantly less sensitive (50% to 60%), meaning they might miss up to half of the polyps and cancers that could be present.
The American Cancer Society’s guidelines for screening for early detection of colon polyps and cancer suggest that people of average risk and who are 50 years of age or older should be screened for colon cancer. You could be at increased risk and may need to be screened earlier than age 50 if:
- You are African American
- You have a family history of colorectal polyps or colon cancer
- You have a personal or family history of inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s colitis)
Learn about ECLI’s colonoscopy services.
About Barrett’s Esophagus and cancer of the esophagus
The presence of Barrett’s esophagus is associated with increased risk of developing an invasive cancer. Cancer in Barrett’s esophagus develops in a sequence of changes, making early detection and early treatment a possibility.
Screening for Barrett’s Esophagus and cancer of the esophagus
An upper endoscopy can help your physician diagnose Barrett’s esophagus. Barrett’s tissue is visible during endoscopy. Biopsies from the esophagus can also confirm the diagnosis.
Risk factors for Barrett’s esophagus and cancer of the esophagus include:
- Regular or daily heartburn for over 5 years
- Waking during the night because of heartburn
- Difficulty swallowing
- Smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol excessively
- Male, Caucasian, 40 years of age or older with a history of reflux
Reference: http://www.asge.org/patients/patients.aspx?id=402
Learn about ECLI’s upper endoscopy services.
Helpful websites
- American College of Gastroenterology
- American Gastroenterological Association
- American Cancer Society
- National Cancer Institute
- About GERD: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
- American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
- Celiac Sprue Association
ECLI services & treatments
