Pasadena Magazine is the bi-monthly magazine of Pasadena and its surrounding areas – the diverse, historically rich and culturally vibrant region that includes Glendale, the Eastside of Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Valley all the way to Claremont.
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80 FEBRUARY 2015 PAID ADVERTISEMENT Ask The Experts (Q&A) JACQUES VAN DAM, M.D., Ph.D PROFESSOR OF MEDICINE, THE KECK SCHOOL OF MEDICINE OF USC Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States, but it doesn't have to be. ere is now sufficient scientific evidence to prove that colonoscopy saves lives. Because March is colorectal cancer screening awareness month, I have chosen to use this column to address this important topic. As a gastroenterologist at the Keck Medical Center of USC, I perform colorectal cancer screening on a regular basis. But like all gastroenterologists, I recognize the fact many individuals who should have this lifesaving procedure don't. Please be sure to discuss colorectal cancer screening with your primary care physician at your next appointment. Q. What is colon cancer? Colon cancer is an abnormal growth that starts in the lining of your colon or rectum. In most cases, the cancer starts as a benign growth called a polyp. It's important to know that in the earliest stages, polyps can grow without causing any symptoms. Some polyps can become malignant or cancerous. If left untreated, colon cancer can metastasize or spread to other parts of your body. Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States and affects both men and women. Q. Can anyone get colon cancer? For the most part, colon cancer affects older people, individuals with precancerous polyps, patients who suffer from inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, and people who have a family history of colon cancer. ere are certain inherited forms of colon cancer. But too often, people get colon cancer for no apparent reason. Q. Is there anything I can eat to lessen my chance of getting colon cancer? A diet high in red meat and processed meats increases your risk of getting colon cancer while a diet rich in fiber lessens your risk of the disease. Smoking, lack of exercise and obesity are also risk factors for colon cancer. Q. How can I prevent getting colon cancer? While nothing is 100% effective at preventing colon cancer, the single most important thing anyone can do is to undergo colon cancer screening. Remember, screening or looking for the disease or its precursors is recommended even if you don't have any symptoms. e benefits of screening are the early diagnosis and treatment of colon cancer, the detection and removal of precancerous polyps, and the surveillance of patients determined to be at increased risk of the disease. Scientific studies have shown that colon cancer screening leads to a reduction in death from colon cancer. And by far, the dominant screening method used in the United States is colonoscopy. Q. What is colonoscopy? Colonoscopy is a medical procedure in which a thin flexible tube with a light and a camera on the end is inserted into your colon. Patients are usually sedated for the procedure. About 25% to 30% of people who have a colonoscopy are found to have precancerous polyps that require removal. Most polyps can be removed during a colonoscopy. Rarely, some polyps may be too large to be removed by colonoscopy and require an operation to be safely removed. In that case, the physician performing the colonoscopy will take a biopsy (remove a small piece of the polyp to examine under a microscope) to determine if the polyp is cancerous. Q. Should I get a colonoscopy? Yes. Having a colonoscopy can save your life. e American Cancer Society recommends that everyone should have a colonoscopy even if they have no gastrointestinal symptoms. Most people should have their first colonoscopy at age 50. Some people should begin screening sooner; for example, individuals with family history of colon cancer or specific ethnic or racial groups including African Americans. You should speak with your doctor to determine the age you should have your first colonoscopy. Q. I am too busy to take a day off from work. Is there anywhere I can get my colonoscopy on the weekend? e Keck Medical Center at USC has announced a new Colorectal Cancer Screening Clinic that provides busy individuals with a weekend option. e center is open one Saturday morning each month providing colonoscopy for people who are generally in good health. Please discuss with your primary care physician if you are a candidate for colorectal cancer screening. en contact the Keck Medical Center at USC to make an appointment. Contact info: 1520 San Pablo Street, Los Angeles, 323.442.8107, Digestivehealthla.com