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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, easier, and minimally invasive 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 entire colon.
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