Mar 28, 2008 5:38 pm US/Eastern
CBS4 Colorectal Campaign: Overcoming The Myths
Click here for more information on CBS4.COM/Colorectal
MIAMI (CBS4) ―
CBS 4 "The Test For Life" campaign stresses the importance of getting tested for colon cancer and you can be tested for free. Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. and with few specific signs or symptoms, the only hope of catching it early is to get screened. That's why CBS4 is kicking off "The Test For Life" campaign.
About 150,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with cancer of the colon or rectum every year, and about 50,000 will die from the disease. It strikes men and women equally.
Dr. Michael Hellinger from Mount Sinai Hospital said it's curable if caught early, but deadly when it's not.
"There's over 125,000 new cases every year, and about 50 to 60 thousand people die in the United States every year," explained Hellinger.
Few people ever think about their colon health until something goes wrong. Dr. Jamie Barkin, head of gastroenterology at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami, said misconceptions about colonoscopy often stop people from getting tested.
"The major obstacle is the unknown," he said.
So what are the biggest myths about colonoscopy?
The first myth is that many people think they don't need one. While a positive family history, some genetic and inflammatory conditions increase the risk, age is the single biggest risk factor for colorectal cancer. Ninety percent of cases occur after age 50.
"If you are above age 50 you need to have colon visualization, " Dr. Barkin warned.
Myth #2 is that people believe the preparation is awful. Patients do have to take a laxative to clean the colon, but today's prep solutions are more gentle, and don't taste too bad.
Myth #3 is patients believe it hurts. While there can be some discomfort, the colonoscope tube is soft, and flexible.
In addition, Dr. Michael Hellinger from Mount Sinai explained patients are sedated, "They get an IV line and a sedative. So they don't have any pain during the procedure ," he says, " Most people don't even remember having the procedure done."
Myth #4 is that a polyp means someone has cancer. Most polyps will be benign, but some do turn into cancer and that's why doctors take them out.
"If colon cancer is caught early it's curable. If you take out growths called polyps you can prevent colon cancer," according to Dr. Barkin.
Myth #5 is that one will need what's called a colostomy bag. Most colon cancer patients will never need one. Experts recommend overcoming any fears of colonoscopy and get tested.
"You should not have colon cancer in this country, if people will have screening, " Dr. Barkin says.
Another myth about colonoscopy: Men need them more than women do. That's not true. Colorectal cancer strikes both sexes equally.
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