DIGESTIVE HEALTH

Franjo Vladic, MD

Q: Along with Mammograms, Colonoscopies Save Lives

A: October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, every two minutes, a woman receives a breast cancer diagnosis, and every 13 minutes, a woman loses her life to breast cancer. There are 3.3 million breast cancer survivors in the United States today, thanks to early detection through mammography. Early detection is also important when it comes to colon cancer. A colonoscopy is the most effective colon cancer screening method because it can detect and remove precancerous polyps before they become cancerous. Researchers estimate between 60 and 90 percent of colon cancer mortality could be prevented if adults were screened at proper intervals. Unfortunately, one out of three Americans is not getting tested, and colon cancer continues to be the third-leading cause of cancer death among men and women. You don’t have to be on that list. On average, your lifetime risk for developing colon cancer is about one in 20, but factors like age, ethnicity, family history, diet and lifestyle habits can increase your risk. In May 2018, the American Cancer Society revised its recommended age for firsttime colon screenings from 50 years of age to 45, but it’s important you discuss the appropriate age of your first colonoscopy with your doctor. Tragically, every year, 50,000 Americans will die from colon cancer, a mostly preventable disease. I encourage you to take action this month by scheduling a mammogram, colonoscopy and other preventive screenings to promote early detection. And if it’s time you schedule your colonoscopy, my office is here to help. For your convenience, you can request an appointment online at www.CDHWilloughby.com

Center for Digestive Health 34940 Ridge Rd. #B Willoughby, OH 44094 (440) 953-1899 www.cdhwilloughby.com