Colorectal Cancer
Over 50? Get screened today.
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer for both men and women in the United States, causing an estimated 52,000 deaths each year. But the good news is that each of us has the power to stop colon cancer before it even forms.
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The death rate from colon cancer has been dropping during the past 15 years—mainly as the result of increased screening. "Colon cancer can often be prevented through routine colonoscopies," said Prevea Gastroenterologist Peter Stanko, MD. "Although the death rates are dropping, we can still save tens of thousands of lives across the United States each year by encouraging patients to schedule routine colonoscopies." |
During a colonoscopy, a physician will visually exam the patient's colon using a colonoscope. Any polyps (abnormal growths in the lining of the colon) found during the procedure will be immediately removed, which prevents them from growing and developing into colon cancer. "Polyps don't cause symptoms but they do lead to cancer, and colon cancer doesn't cause symptoms until it's advanced. So if people wait until they have symptoms to schedule a colonoscopy, the cancer is often advanced and much, much harder to control."
Dr. Stanko recommends that everyone age 50 and older have a routine colonoscopy once every 10 years to identify and remove precancerous polyps. However, people who are at a higher risk for colon cancer or have a family history of the disease should consider scheduling colonoscopies earlier and more frequently, based on the recommendations of their doctor.
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"My colleagues and I offer colonoscopies at both of Prevea's partner hospitals, St. Mary's Hospital Medical Center and St. Vincent Hospital in Green Bay," said Dr. Stanko. Both hospitals have state-of-the-art colonoscopes with high-definition, flat screen monitors that provide the best picture possible. This allows for the most thorough exam and helps us identify and remove all colon polyps." Both hospitals also offer private rooms and bathrooms for preparation and recovery. |
Peter Stanko, MD |
"People often put off scheduling a colonoscopy for fear of embarrassment or discomfort," said Dr. Stanko. "But the entire procedure is completely private, and the patient is mildly sedated and completely comfortable throughout the procedure." Preparation is also minimal, including two small doses of laxative—the night before and morning of the procedure—which cleanses the colon to allow clearer visuals during the procedure.
Most insurance providers, including Medicare, cover colonoscopy. If you haven't had a colonoscopy within the past 10 years, please consider scheduling one today by calling Prevea's Gastroenterology Department at (920) 429-1700 or (888) 2PREVEA, extension 1700.