Colon cancer is the second most common cancer in women and third most common in men, according to Puget Sound Gastroenterology’s Dr. Greg Bernstein.
March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month. Gastroenterologists across the country, like Dr. Greg Bernstein of PSG, use the month’s platform as an important time to educate patients and make patients aware of the options for getting screened.
In the US alone, Dr. Bernstein says colon cancer is the second most deadly cancer. There are about 140,000 new cases per year and 50,000 people die from it each year.
But despite those numbers, only two-thirds of patients are getting screened for colon cancer and Dr. Bernstein believes it is due to lack of access to care.
“And I think that there’s a little bit of uncertainty about what a colonoscopy is and a little bit of, sort of, negative press out there in terms of all the components involved in getting screened,” said Dr. Bernstein.
So even though people might think the process is unpleasant, Dr. Bernstein says it’s vitally important.
His approach is always to educate his patients first on the procedure, explaining the tools used, sedation method, and how he will check the inner lining of the colon.
If any abnormalities, such as polyps (a small clump of cells that form in the lining that can develop into colon cancer) are found, Dr. Bernstein and his team can remove them and greatly reduce the risk of cancer.
Prevention through colonoscopies is key, but knowledge of colon cancer symptoms is just as important. Many people with colon cancer are unaware they even have it.
Another method that patients who are unwilling or unable to get a colonoscopy can use is a Cologuard, which is a stool test that detects abnormal blood products in the stool. It’s not as effective as a colonoscopy but can detect advanced polyps and early cancer.
Puget Sound Gastroenterology recommends screening starting at age 50 for average-risk patients. Patients with family history of colon cancer, gastrointestinal symptoms, or breast cancer – which can genetically mutate to colon cancer -- will typically start screenings earlier.
Colon cancer risks can be reduced with a healthy diet including fibers and vitamins, healthy body weight, and limiting tobacco and alcohol use.
Puget Sound Gastroenterology is an independent provider practice that serves the Seattle metro-area with clinics and endoscopy center in Fremont, Northgate, Kirkland, and Edmonds.
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This segment brought to you by Puget Sound Gastroenterology.
