Myths Vs. Facts - The Endoscopy Center of Topeka

Myths Vs. Facts : About Your Health : Digestive Health

Myths Vs. Facts

There are many misconceptions when it comes to colon and colorectal cancer. Read below to clear up any questions you may have about the disease.

Myth:

Colon cancer is a disease that affects only Caucasian males.

Fact:

Colon cancer affects individuals equally regardless of gender and, typically, race. Recent studies suggest that African-Americans have a higher incidence of colon cancer and, therefore, might begin their screenings at age 45. If you are African-American, discuss this issue with your physician. According to the National Cancer Institute, in 2008 the estimated new cases of colon cancer number 108,070 and new cases of rectal cancer will reach 40,740 Nearly 50,000 people are expected to die of colon and rectal cancer in 2008.

Myth:

Only people with a family history of colon cancer get it.

Fact:

Nearly 75 percent of colon cancer cases have no prior family history and most have no symptoms. A family history only means those patients need to start preventive colon cancer screenings at age 40 rather than the recommended age of 50 for those who have no family history.

Myth:

I don't have any symptoms, so I must not have colon cancer.

Fact:

In its early stages, colon cancer generally has no symptoms and gives no warnings. Further in the cancer's development patients may experience symptoms such as stool changes, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain and unexplained weight loss. Once people begin to experience these symptoms, it can be a sign of more advanced cancer with lower survival rates. That is why screening is so important.

Myth:

Preparing for a colonoscopy is difficult.

Fact:

Preparing for this screening involves emptying the colon by fasting paired with prescription and over-the-counter laxatives. Occasionally an enema will need to be performed. The patient's doctor will help determine which options will be used. Though the preparation can be inconvenient, it is not difficult or painful.

Myth:

Colonoscopies are unpleasant and uncomfortable.

Fact:

The actual screening is neither painful nor unpleasant. During the test, patients are sedated to eliminate or minimize any discomfort, and the actual procedure only lasts 15-30 minutes. For most, normal activities can be resumed the next day.

Myth:

Katie Couric got a colonoscopy on television, so I should get one too.

Fact:

Colonoscopy screenings are recommended for men and women beginning at age 50. People younger than 50 who have other risk factors such as a family history of cancer, obesity, smoking, ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, should discuss earlier screening options with their doctor. Recent studies suggest that African-Americans have a higher incidence of colon cancer and, therefore, might begin their screenings at age 45. If you are African-American, discuss this issue with your physician.

Myth:

There are several ways to screen for colon cancer without undergoing a colonoscopy.

Fact:

There are several screening options for colorectal cancer, including flexible sigmoidoscopy, fecal occult blood test and double-contrast barium enema and virtual colonoscopy; however, a colonoscopy is considered the most accurate. It detects more cancers, examines the entire colon and can screen, diagnose and remove polyps in the same procedure.

Myth:

A polyp means I have cancer.

Fact:

Polyps are benign growths that have the potential to develop into cancerous tissue if left unchecked. They can be removed easily during a colonoscopy, eliminating the possibility that they could become cancerous.

Myth:

A colon cancer diagnosis means I am dying.

Fact:

When colon cancer is caught early, it has a more than 90 percent survival rate, which is why screening is so important. Once colon cancer spreads the survival rates decrease significantly.

Myth:

I can't afford screening.

Fact:

Most insurance plans, including Medicare, cover a colonoscopy. Required copay amounts will vary by plan.

Myth: I will have to go to a hospital to have a colonoscopy.

Fact:

For most patients a colon cancer screening can be done at an outpatient center. Our center provides screenings by the same highly skilled specialists that perform them in hospitals, but in a more relaxed, personal environment. And because they are not done in a hospital where overhead is higher, the cost is usually much lower, an important benefit if you have copay.

Myths Vs. Facts