Colon Cancer Screening & Prevention:
A Cost-Benefit Win-Win!
Officially,
March is National Colon Cancer Screening Month, but at Change Health Care
Services, every month is Colon Cancer Screening month.
Colon cancer is the second leading cause of death from cancer in the United
States. It is estimated that of the 135,000 (approx.) people who will be
affected this year, about 50,000 will die from this condition. However,
colon cancer is the most preventable and curable cancer when detected early.
Colon Cancer although rare in persons under the age of 40, increases in
incidence above the age of 50. The lifetime risk of colorectal cancer is
1 in 50 for the general population, and becomes 1 in 17 for those with 1
affected relative. Almost all cases of colon cancer begin with the development
of benign colonic polyps. Detection and removal of these polyps at the precancerous
stage can prevent the onset of colon cancer. It is for this reason that
we recommend screening to start at the age of 50. |
Risk Factors Associated with Colorectal Cancer
- Age
- Diet
- Polyps
- Personal History
- Family History
- Ulcerative Colitis
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Recommendations:
- Screening to begin at age 50.
- Once a year testing of the stool for traces of blood not seen
by the naked eye. This is usually accompanied by a digital rectal
examination.
- Flexible Sigmoidoscopy every 5 years or Complete Colonoscopy
every 7-10 years
While the logistics of implementing colonoscopy as a screening option
appear daunting in terms of available gastroenterology specialists,
the economics of this issue is cut-and-dry. As per the National Cancer
Institute and others it will cost $1.0-1.5 billion annually to screen
the at-risk US population. The cost-effectiveness threshold set by
the government for recommending any nation-wide preventive measure
is $40,000 per year of life saved. Studies reveal it will cost $25,000
per year of life saved if we were to institute colonoscopy as a screening
option. With follow-up colonoscopy indicated once every 7-10 years,
we envision long- term costs to level-off at $ 700-800 million annually
by 2005 (E).
By training and credentialing other health care professionals in the
art of colonoscopy (e.g. nurse practitioners, physician assistants
and registered nurses) and perfecting non-invasive diagnostic techniques
(e.g. virtual colonoscopy), the US could bring down the number of
colon cancer cases to 50,000 per year by 2010. Accrued savings to
the health care industry from early diagnosis and prompt intervention
are estimated at $10-15 billion by 2010 (E).
Symptoms of a Digestive Health Problem:
Please consult with your physician if any of these symptoms persist
for longer than two weeks.
- Diarrhea or constipation.
- Blood in or on the stool.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Feeling of incomplete evacuation of stool.
- Frequent gas pains with abdominal fullness, bloating and cramps.
- Weakness and tiredness.
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