Colon cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable types of cancer, yet it remains the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. In fact, More than 50,000 people die from it each year.
Dr. Olaitan Adeniji, a gastroenterologist at Prevea Health joined us on Wisconsin Tonight to talk about the disease.
Dr. Adeniji explains colon cancer often begins as a non-cancerous growth or “polyp” that over time can develop into cancer. These polyps typically don’t cause any symptoms. So, unless you are getting routine colonoscopies, there is no way to know if you have them. Or - by the time you do start experiencing symptoms, the cancer is often advanced and harder to control.
Who should get a colonoscopy?
* Men and women, beginning at the age of 50. Then, they will need to continue to get colonoscopies every 10 years.
* If you are at a higher risk for colon cancer – where your parent, sibling or child has had colon cancer – you should get a colonoscopy at an earlier age, and have them more frequently.
What if someone is embarrassed to schedule a colonoscopy, or is afraid it will be too uncomfortable?
* Prevea Digestive Health physicians perform colonoscopies at HSHS St. Vincent Hospital and HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center in Green Bay.
* The entire procedure is completely private, and the patient is mildly sedated and kept completely comfortable.
* Preparation is also minimal and includes only two small doses of laxative the night before and morning of procedure.
* Most insurance providers, including Medicare, cover colonoscopies.
How long does it take to get results?
* Same-day results
