Colon cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the US. In 2014, more than 96,000 people developed new cases, and there will be an estimated 50,000 deaths.
It is also one of the most preventable cancers: if all Americans followed recommendations about getting a colonoscopy, the death rate from colorectal cancer (CRC) would plummet. However, current methods, as well as patient fear, are common reasons why people do not undergo this crucial test.
colonoscopy
One of the main themes in medicine over the past year or two has been the value (or lack of same) of screening as a tool to prevent early death.
Accepted medical practices have been challenged, as data become available that are not only counterintuitive, but in some cases almost heresy.
Examples include:
Is routine mammography harmful or helpful?
Should the prostate specific antigen (PSA) test be used at all?
Do annual exams save lives?
We have written about these issues frequently- mammography, the PSA test, annual physicals. The above links give a good summary of our take on each of these issues.
Colorectal cancer (CRC), or colon cancer, is the third most common cancer worldwide, and the second leading cause of cancer death. According to the Colon Cancer Alliance, the exact
The media are vulnerable to anti-chemical hype purveyed by activist environmental groups. They often warn us that pesticides are causing a cancer epidemic. The facts show that the opposite is true: cancer rates are in decline and have been for years.
Sometimes more screening is better, mainly when it involves colorectal cancer and colonoscopy. Well, better screening is better, anyway: a new study shows a strong correlation between a higher detection rate of polyps and a lower subsequent cancer rate.
The National Cancer Institute Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program, the North American Association of
A constant theme in medicine over the past few years has been questioning whether routine screening for certain diseases is actually helpful.
For the most part, the answer is surprising and counterintuitive no.