Family physician Dr. Randall M.
Suzuka is a Mililani resident. His office is in the Haleiwa Family Health Center, &
he's affiliated with Wahiawa General Hospital.
In the following article, Dr. Suzuka talks about colon cancer.
Colon Cancer Screening -
Not Really
A Pain In The ...
by Dr.
Randall M. Suzuka
1998
Colorectal cancer is the second most common
cancer in the United States. Recently colon cancer has been in the news because of the
cancer found in Darryl Strawberry. People may also remember President Reagan's colon
cancer which was discovered on a routine exam when he was in the White House. An
individual has a 2.6% chance of getting colon cancer sometime during his life. The
incidence of colon cancer doubles every 7 years after age 50. Fortunately, there are good
ways to detect the cancer early and save lives.
Risk factors for colorectal cancer include
history of colorectal cancer or adenomas (polyps) in a first-degree relative (mother,
father, brother, sister, child), history of uterus, ovary, or breast cancer, history of
ulcerative colitis (an inflammatory condition in the bowel), or a personal history of
large polyps or colorectal cancer.
The American Cancer Society currently recommends
stool guaiac cards and flexible sigmoidoscopy from age 50. A rectal exam can detect
only 10% of colon cancers. The diameter of the flexible sigmoidoscope is smaller than my
standard Japanese index finger. The procedure takes less than 15 minutes and can be done
in the doctor's office. The 60 cm scope is theoretically capable of reaching 65-75% of
polyps and 40-65% of cancers. For those cancers within the reach of the sigmoidoscope,
screening with the sigmoidoscope reduced the chance of dying from the cancer by 59%. This
is due to earlier detection of the cancer when there is a better chance for cure. Remember
that not all cancers are in the reach of the sigmoidoscope. Annual FOBT followed by
colonoscopy if positive has been shown to reduce the mortality from colorectal cancer by
33%.
So remember...
It may not be 'Vegas,
It may not sound cool,
These cards check for blood in the stool.
Darryl Strawberry's done it,
So has Reagan.
Your life is worthwhile savin'.
So don't get upset,
Don't go home and mope,
When your friendly doctor recommends a scope.
Editor:
Dr Randall M. Suzuka is a graduate of the John Burns School of Medicine. He can be
contacted at 637-5087 or by email. |
