Lake Regional Health System | Thrive | Spring 2018

8 | Spring 2018 I f a health screening could save your life, wouldn’t you do it? Then don’t put off colorectal cancer screening. Colorectal cancer is a leading cancer killer in the United States, and screen- ing is recommended for everyone between the ages of 50 and 75. But about one-third of adults in this age group have never been screened. “Colorectal cancer screening not only saves lives, but it also saves people from ever having cancer,” says Kevin Byrne, D.O., at Lake Regional Gastroenterology. “That’s because colorectal cancer usually starts from abnormal growths, called polyps, in the colon or rectum. Screening can find these growths, and doctors can remove them, stopping cancer before it starts. Screening also can find cancer early, when treatment is most effective.” Which test is best for you? There are several effective colorectal cancer screening methods. “The different tests have different risks and benefits,” Dr. Byrne says. “Talk with your doctor to determine which test is best for you.” Some require sending a stool sample to a lab, which will check for the presence of blood. These tests, which Get a free screening kit Lake Regional Health System is offering free colorectal cancer screening kits to lake-area residents through March 31. Please note: The fecal oc- cult blood test checks for colorectal cancer but is never used to diagnose this condition. If your test detects blood in your stool, call your primary care physician to schedule an appointment for further testing. If blood is not detected, you still are advised to talk with your doctor about your screening needs. Kevin Byrne, D.O. CANCER CARE include a guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (gFOBT) and fecal immu- nochemical test (FIT), are usually done once a year. If the test also checks for DNA changes (a FIT-DNA test), the schedule is every one to three years. Another test is a flexible sigmoid- oscopy. A doctor uses a thin, flexible, lighted tube to examine the rectum and lower third of the colon. This test needs to be repeated every five years, or every 10 years with an annual FIT. Then there is colonoscopy. This test is similar to flexible sigmoidoscopy, but a doctor uses a longer tube to examine the rectum and entire colon. This test needs to be repeated every 10 years. Colonoscopy also is the test used to follow up if anything unusual is found during one of the other screening tests. These screening recommenda- tions are for people at average risk for colorectal cancer. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force found that adults ages 50 to 75 benefit the most from colorectal cancer screening. Adults ages 76 to 85 also may benefit, especially if they have never been screened and are healthy enough to undergo treatment if cancer is found. REQUEST A KIT Get details at lakeregional.com/screeningkit . test could save your life simple A