Long Island Gastroenterology LIGHTe Logo
  • 2001 Marcus Ave e130
    New Hyde Park, NY

Patient Education

Patient Education

Understanding Colon Cancer Screening

Gastroenterologist Doctor Tunning endoscope for procedure

Colon Cancer Screening Saves Lives

Approximately 150,000 new cases of colorectal cancer are diagnosed every year in the United States and nearly 50,000 people die from the disease. It has been estimated that increased awareness and screening would save at least 30,000 lives each year. Colorectal cancer is highly preventable and can be detected by testing even before there are symptoms. The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy encourages everyone over 50, or those under 50 with a family history or other risk factors, to be screened for colorectal cancer.

Six Questions That Could Save Your Life

(or the Life of Someone You Love)

1. Colorectal cancer is predominantly a "man's disease," affecting many more men than women annually.

(mouse over to reveal answer)

FALSE

Colorectal cancer affects an equal number of men and women. Many women, however, think of CRC as a disease only affecting men and might be unaware of important information about screening and preventing colorectal cancer that could save their lives, says the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.

2. Only women over the age of 50 who are experiencing some symptoms should be screened for colorectal cancer or polyps.

(mouse over to reveal answer)

FALSE

Beginning at age 50, all men and women should be screened for colorectal cancer EVEN IF THEY ARE EXPERIENCING NO PROBLEMS OR SYMPTOMS.

3. A colonoscopy screening exam typically requires an overnight stay in a hospital.

(mouse over to reveal answer)

FALSE

A colonoscopy screening exam is almost always done on an outpatient basis. A mild sedative is usually given before the procedure and then a flexible, slender tube is inserted into the rectum to look inside the colon. The test is safe and the procedure itself typically takes less than 45 minutes.

4. Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States.

(mouse over to reveal answer)

TRUE

After lung cancer, colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Annually, approximately 150,000 new cases of colorectal cancer are diagnosed in the United States and 50,000 people die of the disease. It has been estimated that increased awareness and screening would save at least 30,000 lives each year.

5. Tests used for screening for colon cancer include digital rectal exam, stool blood test, flexible sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy.

(mouse over to reveal answer)

TRUE

These tests are used to screen for colorectal cancer even before there are symptoms. Talk to your healthcare provider about which test is best for you.

6. Colon cancer is often preventable.

(mouse over to reveal answer)

TRUE

Colorectal cancer is highly preventable. Colonoscopy may detect polyps (small growths on the lining of the colon). Removal of these polyps (by biopsy or snare polypectomy) results in a major reduction in the likelihood of developing colorectal cancer in the future.

Why examinations are important

Beginning at age 50, men and women should have:

  • An annual occult blood test on spontaneously passed stool (at a minimum)
  • A flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years
  • A complete colonoscopy every 10 years

Important: You may need to begin periodic screening colonoscopy earlier than age 50 years if you have a personal or family history of colorectal cancer, polyps or long-standing ulcerative colitis.

Doctor Patient conversation with chart & equipment

For Your Information:

 IMPROVING DIGESTIVE HEALTH THROUGH EXCELLENCE IN ENDOSCOPY Since its founding in 1941, ASGE has been dedicated to advancing patient care and digestive health by promoting excellence in gastrointestinal endoscopy. This information is the opinion of and provided by the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. Gastrointestinal endoscopy helps patients through screening, diagnosis and treatment of digestive diseases. Visit www.asge.org to learn how you can support GI endoscopic research, education and public outreach through a donation to the ASGE Foundation.

Since its founding in 1941, ASGE has been dedicated to advancing patient care and digestive health by promoting excellence in gastrointestinal endoscopy. This information is the opinion of and provided by the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.

Gastrointestinal endoscopy helps patients through screening, diagnosis and treatment of digestive diseases. Learn how you can support GI endoscopic research, education and public outreach through a donation to the ASGE Foundation.

For more information visit, www.asge.org or www.screen4coloncancer.org

Copyright © 2018 American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Important Reminder: This information is intended only to provide general guidance. It does not provide definitive medical advice. It is very important that you consult your doctor about your specific condition.

Need Help or have a question?

Our offices are open weekdays!

For Office Hours and Locations visit our Contact Us  Page.

send us a message

Contact us and we will happily respond

Contact Us

New Patient

Get Started

Contact Us

Get Started

New Patient

© Copyright 2024  Dr. Bansal & Associates

Service Areas

Website Design by

hozio website design marketing logo