Physicians Stress Importance Of Colonoscopy Screening

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cancer in the United States. But the good news is that the disease is more than 90 percent preventable when detected early with a colonoscopy, a 30-minute diagnostic procedure that allows the doctor to view the large intestine.

 That was the message from Stuart Bussell, MD, director of the Colorectal Cancer Program at Danbury Hospital, at a recent Medical Town Meeting, “Gaining Ground in Colon and Rectal Cancer.” Dr Bussell spoke along with Joseph Fiorito, MD, chief of gastroenterology; and Marvin Prince, MD, a gastroenterologist.

Every year, an estimated 56,600 men and women in America die from colorectal cancer and another 130,000 new cases are diagnosed. Nearly all these cancers start out as polyps, benign or noncancerous growths inside the colon wall. If these polyps are detected in their first stages by a colonoscopy, they can easily be removed and the chance of developing into cancer largely reduced, explained Dr. Fiorito. Unfortunately, despite the success rate of colonoscopy as a screening, only one-half of people at risk of the disease will have the test done.

It is recommended that people at age 50 get a colorectal screening test, since the risk of cancer increases with age. Other risk factors include a family history of the disease, personal medical history such as ulcerative colitis, a diet high in meat fats and low in fiber, cigarette smoking, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle. There are steps that people can take to prevent problems, including specific vitamins such as selenium, folic acid, and calcium, yellow vegetables and fruits, and exercise.

While many people fear a colonoscopy, it is a tried-and-true test. Physicians insert a long, flexible, lighted tube in the rectum, slowly guiding it into the colon. The scope transmits an image of the inside of the intestine, so the doctor can carefully examine the lining. A sedative and pain medicine keeps the patient from feeling discomfort during the exam.

To promote the importance of colonoscopy and inform Danbury-area residents about the procedure, in June Danbury Hospital is kicking off an early detention awareness campaign. As part of the event, the hospital will have a giant display called “Coco, The Colossal Colon” at the Danbury Fair Mall. Visitors will be able to crawl through the 40-foot-long, 4-foot-high model of a human colon. Hands-on displays will show examples of other intestinal diseases and information on early detection. A fun quiz will test knowledge gained. This special event that promotes digestive health takes place Friday–Sunday, June 25–27, during mall hours.

For more information, visit the website at www.danburyhospital.org.