In the latest Director’s Briefing video, CDC Director Dr. Tom Frieden talks about the importance of testing to prevent colon cancer. About 23 million adults haven’t gotten the life-saving tests they need to find colon cancer early. Testing can find precancerous growths and saves lives. People are encouraged to talk with their doc about testing options. The best test is the test that gets done.
Alternatives to colonoscopy.
So, guess what? Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. for men and women combined, the illness is highly curable when detected early. BUT, there are alternatives to the often uncomfortable colonoscopy.
Virtual (CT Scan)
- *no sedation
- *still have to drink the "prep drink"
- *misses polups less than a centimeter, which means the results could lead to a false sense of security.
Blood Stool Test
- *have your doctor test your stool for blood.
- *very good to DETECT colon cancer hopefully at an early stage, but does NOT prevent colon cancer.
I got you.
-- Dr. Dale
Reminder: Aspirin + Everyday = Lower Risk for Colon Cancer
Q U I C KN O T E
I just wanted to remind everyone that taking a baby aspirin, or 81mg per day, helps lower the risk of colon cancer by 30%.
-------
Cancer.org
Screening still crucial
One proven method for preventing colon cancer is to get screened for the disease. "It is still very important to get screened for colorectal cancer so that colorectal polyps can be detected and removed before they ever turn into cancer," says Eric Jacobs, PhD, strategic director of epidemiology at the American Cancer Society.
The American Cancer Society recommends regular colon cancer screening for men and women starting at age 50. People who are at a higher-than-average risk of the disease (such as those with a family history of colon cancer) may need to begin getting tested earlier, or have more frequent tests.
That goes even for people who take aspirin regularly for other reasons, Jacobs notes. "Aspirin use will not prevent most cases of colorectal cancer."