On a Mission to Prevent Colon Cancer
A colonoscopy has a reputation of being an important but unpleasant procedure.
Important? Definitely.
Unpleasant? Actually, today’s colonoscopy isn’t as terrifying as many people believe it to be.
The Community Health and Oncology teams at Lancaster General are on a mission to have more people in Lancaster County tested for colon and rectal cancer.
“I was a little anxious about the procedure, but the people at Lancaster General made me feel very comfortable from the initial visit,” says Lancaster resident Mike Schmidt, who had his screening performed recently at Lancaster General.
“The medical staff gave me all the information I needed,” Mike says. “The screening itself was pain-free.”
Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death in Lancaster County. It is also one of the most preventable cancers.
A colonoscopy can remove polyps in the colon before they become cancerous and physicians can use it to detect colon cancer at an early stage, when the chance of a cure is better.
Unfortunately, because of the test's reputation for causing discomfort, only about 57% of people who should have a colonoscopy are screened.
Increased Awareness
“We need to increase awareness about the test so more people will be appropriately screened,” says Alice Yoder, RN, MSN, Director, Community Health at Lancaster General. “Many people don't realize that colon cancer is virtually preventable with early screening. We want to address people’s fear of the test by reminding them that it’s basically pain-free.”
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The screening itself takes less than an hour and it is performed while the patient is under anesthesia. Most types of insurance cover the procedure and many cover it without a copay or deductible. Contact your insurance provider for specific questions about coverage.
“The goal of our colorectal screening program is to decrease the death rate due to colon and rectal cancer in Lancaster County,” says Randall Oyer, M.D., Lancaster General Oncology Program Medical Director. “One of the ways we can do that is through colonoscopy.”
Dr. Oyer says the second part of the program is to help people modify risk factors that increase their risk of colorectal cancer. “A diet high in fat and low in fiber increases the risk,” he says. “Exercise and healthy weight management are effective preventive measures.”
Lancaster General hopes to further educate the public about the need for colonoscopy, the benefits of the test and how minimally uncomfortable it is. Some people are at higher-than-average risk and should get screening earlier than age 50, the customary age at which the test is recommended.
Lancaster General's colorectal screening initiative begins with front line primary care and family practice physicians who know the importance of colonoscopy for cancer prevention. Yet, when patients call on their physicians for acute health needs, having the time and focus to fully discuss colonoscopy can be challenging.
A Pathway for Referrals
“We hope to enhance and support the process already in place to increase colonoscopies,” Dr. Oyer adds. “That includes educational materials and easy-to-use guidelines on who should be referred for colonoscopies and at what age.”
According to Dr. Oyer, the survival rate for colorectal cancer is not as high as it should be and physicians now have the tools to decrease the risk of dying of the disease by as much as 70%.
“Our hospitals, our physicians, our medical system and our community outreach programs are capable of putting this all together and making a difference,” he says.
“The time and effort I gave to have it done were well worth it,” Mike adds. “It’s an important preventive measure and it gave me peace of mind.”
Lancaster General is also a member of the University of Pennsylvania Cancer Network.
To learn more about colonoscopies and colon cancer, visit www.LancasterGeneral.org/ColonCancer.
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