To make an appointment with Dr. DiGiacomo, or schedule a colonoscopy, call Saint Michael’s Primary & Specialty Care Center at 973-877-5080.
By William Scott DiGiacomo, MD, FACG
Gastroenterologist
Primary & Specialty Care Center
Saint Michael’s Medical Center
It is easier than ever to get screened for cancers of the colon and rectum, with several options available.
The gold standard of colorectal cancer prevention and screening is a colonoscopy. The benefit of this test is that it can be used to accurately diagnose abnormalities in the colon AND treat them as well. This is the only medical test that can do this.
How Colorectal Cancer Starts
Colorectal cancer first appears in either the colon or the rectum as a small benign growth called a polyp. Over time, a polyp can become cancerous (malignant). Removal of a polyp during a colonoscopy stops colorectal cancer before it has time to grow.
Pre-cancerous polyps don’t cause any symptoms. That’s why you should be screened regularly because most likely you will not feel any discomfort if you have a polyp.
When to Start Regular Screening
According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is the third most common cause of cancer death in men and women of all ages. Yet, it is currently the most common cause of cancer death in men under age 45 and the second most common cause in women under 45.
You may have heard the disturbing news that colorectal cancers are rising in younger adults, including actor Chadwick Boseman. That is why the American Cancer Society now recommends that everyone under age 45 begin regular screenings for this disease.
If you have a family history of colorectal cancer, a personal history of another cancer, are at risk for a genetic type of colorectal cancer called Lynch syndrome, or are Black or Native American, your doctor may recommend you start screenings at age 40 or earlier.
What Happens During a Colonoscopy?
On the day before your colonoscopy, your doctor will prescribe liquid prep medication or pills to clear your colon. On the day of the test, you will be given anesthesia so you will not feel anything during the procedure, which is safe and painless. Our board-certified anesthesiologists and their team will monitor your heart rate, breathing, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation while you sleep.
Your physician will examine your colon with a thin lighted tube that contains a tiny camera. Using special instruments within the scope, your physician can remove any polyps before they have a chance to grow into cancerous growths.
Once you wake up, your physician will go over your results. You will need someone to drive you home and once there, you can eat a regular diet. You may return to your normal activities, including driving, the next day.
Speak Up About Colorectal Screening
During your annual physical or during check-ups, your doctor should talk to you about colorectal cancer and colonoscopy. If not, bring it up yourself and ask when you should begin screenings based on your personal and family medical history.
I also urge you to talk to your family, friends, and colleagues about colorectal screenings and symptoms. Do not hesitate to mention any of these symptoms to your health care provider:
- bright-red rectal bleeding
- maroon-colored or black stools, which can indicate bleeding within the colon
- a change in bowel habits, such as sudden diarrhea, loose stools, or constipation
- unexplained weight loss
- anemia
Change What You Can to Prevent Colorectal Cancer
Although there are some risk factors for the disease that you cannot change, you can work on modifying lifestyle risks:
- Stop smoking and other tobacco use.
- Lost some pounds if you are overweight.
- Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains; limit red and processed meats (beef, pork, lamb, cold cuts, bacon, hot dogs).
- Manage your type 2 diabetes.
- Limit alcohol to one drink per day.
Remember, a colonoscopy is the best prevention we have against colorectal cancer. However, if colorectal cancer is detected, it is highly treatable if found early, before it has spread beyond the walls of the colon and rectum.
Dr. DiGiacomo is a board-certified gastroenterologist and internist. To make an appointment with him or to schedule a colonoscopy, call Saint Michael’s Primary & Specialty Care Center at 973-877-5080.
