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Why Get a Colon Scan ?
Colorectal Cancer-Facts you should know
- Colorectal Cancer (CRC) is the 2nd leading cause of cancer deaths.
In year 2000, there were 130,000 new cases. CRC is 91% curable
when detected early.
- Higher risk factors include age over 50 and a personal or family
history of CRC or polyps. In addition, a personal history of ovarian,
endometrial or breast cancer or chronic inflammatory bowel disease
are risk factors.
- Environmental risk factors include a low fiber, high fat diet,
inactivity and obesity, smoking and alcohol
- 75% of patients with colon cancer are considered at "average risk".
Men and women equally affected
- Over 95% of CRC arise in adenomatous polyps. Risk of malignancy
increases with the size of the polyp
- Screening colonoscopy saves lives. However, less than 30% of Americans
are getting any type of screening. The "negative perceptions" and
unpleasant aspects of conventional colonoscopy has resulted in poor
overall acceptance of this valuable procedure.
- "Virtual" or CT colonography is a much quicker, more pleasant and
noninvasive method to screen for colon disease that should result
in more people getting screened. It is especially valuable in "failed
colonoscopy", where the scope could not reach the cecum area.
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