Colonoscopy Screening
Colorectal Cancer — A Leading Killer
Colorectal cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths after lung cancer. It accounts for 10 percent of all cancer deaths - more than breast cancer and melanoma deaths combined. While some types of cancers such as skin and breast cancer repeatedly make headlines, colon cancer is rarely discussed in the media. However, it is more deadly than all but lung cancer.
The American Cancer Society estimates that nearly 147,000 new cases of colon and rectal cancer will be diagnosed in 2004 and an estimated 57,000 people will die of the disease this year.
The Importance of Screenings
When colorectal cancer is detected early, the five-year survival rate is 90 percent. Unfortunately, only 37 percent of colorectal cancers are detected at this stage. This is why early detection through screening is so important.
Who Should be Screened?
The American Cancer Society urges all men and women to undergo colorectal cancer screening beginning at age 50.
Screening options include:
- Fecal occult blood testing each year, or
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years plus yearly fecal occult blood testing, or
- Colonoscopy (if a colonoscopy is performed, a repeat colonoscopy is recommended every 10 years).