The Importance of Screening for Colon Cancer

It has been found that colon cancer is especially common in Washington, D.C. It is speculated that this occurs because of a lack of screening for colon cancer in the area, proving the importance of early detection for those with cancer. In fact, the area surrounding Washington, D.C. has the highest rate of colon cancer related death out of the entire United States. Meanwhile, the occurrence of colon cancer has gone down in the rest of country, while colorectal cancer remains common in D.C.

The director of the Ruesch Center for the Cure of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Dr. John Marshall at Medstar Georgetown University Hospital, believes that the low screening rate is partially to blame. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the screening rates for colon cancer in Maryland and D.C. are among the worst in the United States and Virginia is not far behind.

Hopefully, awareness of the importance of screening for colon cancer will increase, and therefore create a decrease in cancer-related deaths in the D.C. area, with Colon Cancer Awareness Month, which is currently going on right now throughout the month of March. One of the goals of Colon Cancer Awareness Month is to spread awareness and education about the benefits of early detection, which could save lives.

Mike Jakaitis, a Morning Editor at WTOP who found out he had colon cancer five years ago. He believes that if he had not had a colonoscopy at that time that he would not be alive today. The detection of cancer with a colonoscopy is extremely important because it may still be treatable if detected in the beginning stages. Jakaitis has made it a personal goal to tell others to have a colonoscopy and screen for cancer.

Screening for colon cancer should be conducted in patients between the ages of 50 and 75. Regular screening should include a fecal occult blood test every year and a colonoscopy within every ten year period. According to the CDC, those who are at a higher risk for colon cancer or gastrointestinal cancers should be tested on a more regular basis. However, Dr. Marshall reports that colon cancer has become more common in patients who are younger than age 50, such as Jakaitis who found out he had colon cancer at age 36. Jakaitis had a colonoscopy after telling his doctor about his symptoms.

Symptoms of colon cancer, as described by the American Cancer Society, may include fatigue, weakness, unusual changes in bowl movements and unexpected loss of weight. Some patients have a history in the family of colon cancer.

Screening is a vital tool to preventing and treating early stages of cancer, but other facts are also important. Dr. Marshall points out that exercise, getting enough physical activity and a diet rich in fiber and low in fat may help prevent colon cancer.