Colonoscopy
WQRC,
Sunday Journal interview with Kathleen Koehler, M.D.
WXTK interview with Ed
Lambert and Gary Shapiro, M.D. - part 1
WXTK interview with Ed Lambert and Gary Shapiro,
M.D. - part 2
Colorectal Cancer - the cancer of the colon and/or rectum -
is the third most common cancer in both men and women. More than 148,000 cases
were diagnosed nationwide in 2006. It is also one of the most easily
prevented cancers because polyps can be removed before they become
cancerous.
Both men and women ages 50 and older have a 5% risk of
developing colon cancer.
Those at higher risk
include:
- people with a personal and/or family history of colon
cancer or colon polyps,
- people with inflammatory bowel disease
Colonoscopy - a test that allows your doctor to look at the
interior lining of your large intestine through a thin, flexible viewing
instrument - is the preferred method for detecting early colon cancer. A
colonoscopy is a low-risk procedure which helps detect ulcers, polyps, tumors,
and areas of inflammation or bleeding. Before this test, you will need to clean
out your colon (colon prep). Colon prep takes 1 to 2 days depending on which
type of prep your doctor recommends.
"We recommend a screening colonoscopy
every 5-10 years for men and women beginning at age 50 in average risk
individuals," said Gary Shapiro, M.D., gastroenterologist at The Endoscopy
Center at Cape Cod Hospital. "If you are at a greater risk, you should begin
regular screening even earlier."
The Endoscopy Center at Cape Cod Hospital has a team of
experienced physicians and staff that performs colonoscopies in the safest
environment using the most advanced technology.
Colonoscopies are covered by most insurance companies. For more information,
please call 1-877-CAPE-COD (1-877-227-3263).
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