2012年3月6日星期二

Everyone 50 or older should be screened for colorectal cancer

You've been meaning to do it. It's on your list, but it keeps getting pushed to the bottom. It's just so inconvenient and a little embarrassing. It's a colonoscopy.

But before you put it off yet again, consider this: With the exception of skin cancers, colorectol cancer — a cancer that starts in the colon or rectum — is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the country. According to the American Cancer Society, it is expected to cause nearly 51,590 deaths this year alone. So far, in 2012 there are an estimated 103,170 new cases of colon cancer and 40,290 of rectal cancer.

The good news is that the death rate from colorectal cancer has been dropping over the past 20 years for two primary reasons: an increase in early detection due to more screenings and an improvement in treatment. As a result, today there are more than 1 million colorectal cancer survivors in the U.S.

“Take ownership of your own health and get screened,” said Dr. Kevin Hill, MD of Sierra Nevada Gastroenterology and the Sierra Endoscopy Center in Grass Valley. “Catch it before it becomes a big problem. The deaths we see are the people who wait too long. There is a significant chance of finding precancerous polyps — a growth or mass — in someone 50 or older who has had no symptoms at all. Others mistakenly assume symptoms are attributed to hemorrhoids or other common issues.”

According to the American Cancer Society, more than 90 percent of all colorectal cancers are diagnosed in those age 50 or older, which is why Hill urges people to begin getting screened at 50. Those who have been identified as being at a higher risk, such as having rectal or colon cancer in the family, may need to be screened earlier. If everyone who is 50 years old or older were screened regularly, roughly 60 percent of deaths from this type of cancer could be avoided, reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The biggest barrier to getting a colonoscopy is psychological, said Hill, as most health insurance policies cover screenings and the Grass Valley gastroenterology and endoscopy centers — staffed by the same five doctors — offer payment plans for the uninsured. The most uncomfortable part of the procedure is the “bowel prep,” which involves a case of diarrhea leading up to the screening.

“But once you get here you'll be sedated and we'll put on any kind of music you like,I have just spent two weeks shopping for tile and have discovered Chinese porcelain tile.China Porcelain tile” he said.Handmade oil paintings for sale at museum quality, “Most people say, ‘That wasn't as bad as I thought!' We're the only center in Grass Valley. People travel here for screenings from out of town because of our reputation. I love working here because of the camaraderie — we're like a family here.”

In addition to Hill, the doctors include Andrew Chang, M.D., Aslam Godil, M.D.An Air purifier is a device which removes contaminants from the air., Roy Foliente, M.D.Specializes in rapid Injection mold and molding of parts for prototypes and production. and Dale Wadatz, M.D.Your source for re-usable Plastic moulds of strong latex rubber.

Becky Baldoni, a licensed vocational nurse who has worked at the Sierra Endoscopy Center for the past five years, says she's never worked in a more positive environment.

“All the doctors are amazing — that's why I'm here,” she said. “It's all about the patient here. What I see day in and day out here is that early detection is key. Don't get to a point where we can't help you. You'll feel good knowing you're being pro-active when it comes to your own health.”

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