Understanding Colon Cancer Screening

Address

825 W. Monroe Street #2 Grenada, MS 38901

Hours of Operation:

 Monday: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Tuesday: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Wednesday: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Thursday: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Friday: 8:00am – 5:00pm

Gastroenterology Associates of North
Mississippi, PA

    1208 Office Park Drive
    Oxford, MS 38655
Main Number: (662)234-9888 or Toll Free: (800)489-0988
     Main Fax:         (662) 281-8927

Oxford Annex
1210 Office Park Drive
Oxford, MS 38655
Main Number: (662)234-9888 or Toll Free: (800)489-0988

Grenada Office

825 W. Monroe Street #2
    Grenada, MS 38901
    Main Number: (662) 294-9888

Hours of Operation:

New Albany Office

 Multi-Specialty Clinic on the 5th floor of
Baptist Memorial Hospital – Union County
200 Hwy 30 W
    New Albany, MS 38652
    Main Number: (662) 234-9888

Hours of Operation:

Please contact us for our New Albany, MS office days and hours of operation at (662) 234-9888.

Endoscopy Center of North Mississippi

1206 Office Park Drive
Oxford, MS 38655
Main Number: (662)236-1768 or Toll Free: (800)489-0988
Main Fax: 662-236-9898

This information was developed by the Publications Committee of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE). For more information about ASGE,

This information is intended only to provide general guidance. It does not provide definitive medical advice. It is important that you consult your doctor about your specific condition.

Download this article in PDF format Don't have Adobe Reader?Download this article in PDF format Don't have Adobe Reader?

Colon Cancer Screening Saves Lives

Approximately 150,000 new cases of colorectal cancer are diagnosed every year in the United States and nearly 50,000 people die from the disease. It has been estimated that increased awareness and screening would save at least 30,000 lives each year. Colorectal cancer is highly preventable and can be detected by testing even before there are symptoms. The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy encourages everyone over 50, or those under 50 with a family history or other risk factors, to be screened for colorectal cancer.

Six Questions That Could Save Your Life (or the Life of Someone You Love)

Test your knowledge about colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. If you think the answer is true or mostly true, answer true. If you think the answer is false or mostly false, answer false.

1. Colorectal cancer is predominantly a "man's disease," affecting many more men than women annually.

FALSE. Colorectal cancer affects an equal number of men and women. Many women, however, think of CRC as a disease only affecting men and might be unaware of important information about screening and preventing colorectal cancer that could save their lives, says the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.

2. Only women over the age of 50 who are currently experiencing some symptoms or problems should be screened for colorectal cancer or polyps.

FALSE. Beginning at age 50, all men and women should be screened for colorectal cancer EVEN IF THEY ARE EXPERIENCING NO PROBLEMS OR SYMPTOMS.

3. A colonoscopy screening exam typically requires an overnight stay in a hospital.

FALSE. A colonoscopy screening exam is almost always done on an outpatient basis. A mild sedative is usually given before the procedure and then a flexible, slender tube is inserted into the rectum to look inside the colon. The test is safe and the procedure itself typically takes less than 45 minutes.

4. Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States.

TRUE. After lung cancer, colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Annually, approximately 150,000 new cases of colorectal cancer are diagnosed in the United States and 50,000 people die from the disease. It has been estimated that increased awareness and screening would save at least 30,000 lives each year.

5. Tests used for screening for colon cancer include digital rectal exam, stool blood test, flexible sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy.

Beginning at age 50, men and women should have:

TRUE. These tests are used to screen for colorectal cancer even before there are symptoms. Talk to your healthcare provider about which test is best for you. Current recommended screening options* include:

  • An annual occult blood test on spontaneously passed stool (at a minimum);
  • A flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years; or,
  • A complete colonoscopy every 10 years.

6. Colon cancer is often preventable.

Important: You may need to begin periodic screening colonoscopy earlier than age 50 years if you have a personal or family history of colorectal cancer, polyps or long-standing ulcerative colitis.

TRUE. Colorectal cancer is highly preventable. Colonoscopy may detect polyps (small growths on the lining of the colon). Removal of these polyps (by biopsy or snare polypectomy) results in a major reduction in the likelihood of developing colorectal cancer in the future.

For Your Information

The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy encourages you to talk with your healthcare provider about colon cancer screening and encourages everyone over the age of 50 to undergo the appropriate screening. If your primary healthcare provider has recommended a colonoscopy, you can find a physician with specialized training in these GI endoscopic procedures by using the free Find a Doctor tool on ASGE's Web site at www.screen4coloncancer.org. For more information about colon cancer screening,

Download this article in PDF format Don't have Adobe Reader?

Important Reminder: This information is intended only to provide general guidance. It does not provide definitive medical advice. It is very important that you consult your doctor about your specific condition.

Since its founding in 1941, the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) has been dedicated to advancing patient care and digestive health by promoting excellence in gastrointestinal endoscopy. ASGE, with more than 11,000 members worldwide, promotes the highest standards for endoscopic training and practice, fosters endoscopic research, and is the foremost resource for endoscopic education.

This patient education brochure was developed by the Publications Committee of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. This information is the opinion of and provided by the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.

American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

and

Gastroenterology Associates & Endoscopy Center of North Mississippi

Gastroenterology Associates of North Mississippi - Grenada

Contact Us