STRATEGIES FORDETECTION & PREVENTION

COLORECTAL CANCER

“Of the precancerous and cancerousconditions in humans, no where is the

ability to prevent more profound as it isin colorectal cancer.”

Colorectal Cancer

• 3rd leading cause of cancer behind breast and lung

• 150,000 new cases per year

• 50,000 deaths per year

• Nearly completely preventable

The Problems

• People wait for Medicare

• People think testing needs to be done yearly inorder for it to be effective

• People fear the procedure ie – unknown, pain,risks, embarrassment

• Cost involved – not covered by some insurance

The Solution

• Screen the precursor lesions – adenomatouscolon polyps

• Remove polyps before they become

cancerous

Age of Screening Colonoscopy

• Awareness of colon cancer risks• President Regan – January 1986

• Katie Couric had a colonoscopy onTV – The Today Show in March of2000

Age of Screening Colonoscopy

• 2001 – Medicare changes policy to coverscreening colonoscopy

• Over the last 5 years, individual states have

mandated colorectal screening coverage

“Did You Check My Colon forFlat Polyps, Doc?”

Detection of Flat Polyps

• Best detected with HD

• Use of NBI to define border

• Excellent prep

• Look for bilious colored mucous that does noteasily wash off

The Solution

• Colon Screenings

• Regular screenings can save lives• identify polyps and result in cancer prevention

• Only 50% of the population is being screened

• Screen regardless of symptoms• 70% of cancer cases arise in John Q. Public

The Solution

• High Quality Examination

• High Definition Equipment

• Experienced Endoscopist

• Excellent Prep

• Anesthesiologist in charge of sedation

When Should I Have A Colon Screening?

• No Family History• Caucasians and Hispanics – 50 years of age• African Americans - 45 years of age

• Family History• 40 years of age

Prevention

• Regular Screenings

• Diet • High Fiber, Low Fat

• Supplements• Aspirin, Calcium, Folic Acid, Vitamin D

• Alcohol Moderation

• Avoid all forms of tobacco

• Physical Conditioning

Gilda Radner Quote

“Doctors are whippersnappers in ironed white coats,Who spy up your rectum and look down your throats,And press you and poke you with sterilized tools,And stab at solutions that pacify fools.I used to revere them and do what they saidTill I learned what they learned on was already dead.”