It may take as many as 10 to 15 years for polyps to turn into cancer, and they may not cause any symptoms. “Survival rates are much, much better when we screen for colorectal cancer, rather than wait for symptoms to develop,” Dr. Fletcher said. Among screening options, colonoscopies are considered the gold standard as doctors are able to not only find polyps but also remove them. “A colonoscopy is actually the one test that can find and fix the problem in one visit,” Dr. Fletcher said. “It’s both prevention and detection.” Patients are given a sedative to sleep through the procedure, and then a lighted scope with a camera is used to look at every segment of the colon and rectum. Colonoscopies usually take about a half hour. “Most people actually just dread the prep because of the inconvenience of cleaning out the colon,” Dr. Fletcher said. “But once you go through the prep, everything is really easy.” Dr. Fletcher encourages anyone who may be nervous about getting a colonoscopy to talk to their provider. “Don’t let fear stand in your way of health,” said Dr. Fletcher. “If you have any hesitation with getting a colonoscopy, talk to a doctor about your concerns and they would be happy to explain the options that are available to you.” Colonoscopies are recommended every 10 years starting at age 45 for those at average risk. They are also covered by most insurance plans with no out-of-pocket costs. Check with your insurance plan for coverage details. “I’ve had patients who were hesitant and delayed screening and later they came in wishing they had done this sooner,” said Dr. Fletcher. “I’ve also had patients who got screened and found a precancerous polyp and walked away with peace of mind – and that’s the outcome we want for everyone.”
Don’t let colon cancer hide.
Colorectal cancer is increasing in people younger than age 50. In response to these rising rates, the American Cancer Society recommends screening for colorectal cancer starting at age 45.
“The update in the guidelines is not just a recommendation it’s truly saving lives,” said Gerald Fletcher, MD, a –
gastroenterologist at Sanford USD Medical Center. “In the last three decades, from about the mid-nineties to now, we’ve seen a doubling in the rate of colon cancer in adults under 50.” By starting screening at age 45, health care providers can detect colorectal cancer early when treatment is most effective, and in some cases, before it even develops. Most colorectal cancers start as a growth, called a polyp or lesion, on the inner lining of the colon or rectum.
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