March is colon cancer prevention month, and there are some guidelines that can help you stay clear of this serious disease.
Colon cancer is a preventable cancer if caught early; it is important to have regular screenings and follow-ups.
One in 22 men and one in 24 women may develop colon cancer in their lifetimes, according to the American Cancer Society. Colon cancer is the third leading diagnosed cancer and third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, but with a high quality colonoscopy you can decrease your risk by up to 90 percent.
Although the exact cause for polyp formation and colon cancer is unknown, there are several risk factors that have been linked to the formation of the polyps.
There are genetic risk factors that individuals cannot avoid, such as family history and age. But there are others that can be changed. According to the American Cancer Society, reducing or eliminating the following risk factors can significantly reduce your risk of developing colon cancer: obesity, physical inactivity, diets high in red meats, smoking, and heavy alcohol use.
For most people, screening for colon cancer begins at age 50. Colonoscopies are recommended to begin at an earlier age if you have a family history of colon cancer or adenomatous polyps, or an inherited syndrome or personal history of inflammatory bowel disease.
When you need a gastroenterologist, look for one with an excellent adenoma detection rate or ADR- the higher the number, the better. This is a method to measure the accuracy and effectiveness of the physician. An acceptable ADR is 25 percent.
North Country Gastroenterology's Dr. Howard Mitz's 2017 ADR rate was 49 percent. Click here to learn more about NCG's colonoscopy statistics and facts.
North Country Gastroenterology offers colonoscopies and other services to patients in the Littleton, Lancaster, Woodsville, Plymouth, and North Conway areas.