Colonoscopies Save Lives—Don’t Delay Yours

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. When caught early, the disease is 90% treatable. That's why regular screenings should be part of your preventative care plan. Learn more about colon cancer screenings and one woman's first-hand experience in this WFMY 2 Your Well-Being conversation with Dr. Jay Pyrtle, with Cone Health LeBauer Gastroenterology and Division Chief for Cone Health GI Services.

75-year-old Carol Medlin's daily escape for the last two decades has been a walk at Guilford Courthouse National Military Park. She was committed to exercise and fitness her whole life, free from serious illness. But at age 75, Carol received a stage I colon cancer diagnosis after a routine colonoscopy.

"I had my first one when I was 55, no polyps, no problem. I had my second one when I was 65, no polyps, no problem, and this might have been my last one," says Carol. "Dr. Pyrtle found five polyps in my colon. It almost makes me cry to think about." Regular screening and early detection saved her life. With surgery, Carol is now cancer-free.

What is a Colonoscopy?

"A colonoscopy is a medical procedure where a flexible tube with a light and a camera is passed through the colon (large intestine) and rectum to look for polyps," explains Dr. Pyrtle, "Abnormal growths that can be precursors to colon cancer--and allow us to find those and remove them to prevent trouble."

Screening Recommendations

Colonoscopies are recommended for individuals:

• Starting at age 45. If your colonoscopy results are normal, you should get screened every 10 years.
• 40 years old with a family history of colon cancer, especially a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, child) diagnosed before age 60. Screening can also begin 10 years before the relative's diagnosis, whichever is earlier.
• Those with multiple second degree relatives.

Common Myths

• Pain: Colonoscopies are performed under sedation, minimizing discomfort.
• Impossible Bowel Prep: While the prep is strict, it is manageable. There are even pill-based options now.
• No Symptoms, No Need: Cancer or precancerous cells can be present without symptoms. Screening is crucial.
• Cost and Time: Most insurance plans cover colonoscopies, and the procedure itself takes about 30 minutes. You typically only need to take the day of the procedure off work.

At-Home Options

Colonoscopies are the most accurate screening tool for colorectal cancer with the highest sensitivity to discovering polyps and cancers. However, in recent years, stool-based tests like FIT (Fecal Immunochemical Test) and Cologuard have entered the market as alternatives.

• FIT looks for microscopic blood cells in stool samples, which can indicate polyps or cancer. FIT testing is recommended annually. If the sample results are positive, you will need to follow up with a colonoscopy.
• Cologuard can detect abnormal DNA and blood in stool samples which could indicate polyps or cancer. Cologuard testing is recommended every three years. Like FIT, if the sample results are positive, you will need to follow up with a colonoscopy.

Signs and Symptoms

While early colon cancer often has no symptoms, potential signs include:

• Abdominal pain.
• Changes in stool shape or consistency.
• Blood in the stool.
• Unexpected weight loss.

Lifestyle Prevention

• Stop smoking.
• Avoid alcohol.
• Maintain a high-fiber diet with plenty of whole fruits and vegetables.
• Limit processed meats.
• Exercise regularly.
• Maintain a healthy weight.

Risk Factors

• Smoking history.
• Obesity.
• Heavy alcohol consumption.
• Type 2 Diabetes.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn's Disease, Ulcerative Colitis).
• Low vitamin-D levels may contribute.
• Family history of colorectal cancer.
• American Indians and African Americans are at a slightly higher risk of colon cancer.

Get Care Now

Colonoscopies save lives. Talk to your care provider about scheduling yours.

Visit conehealth.com/colonoscopy to learn what to expect and how to prepare for your appointment.