Colonoscopy Is The Best Way To Prevent Colon Cancer
Our interview is with Charles Snyder, MD, Gastroenterologist of Virtua GI & Digestive Health.
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and Nicole Michalik and Marisa Magnatta discuss Colorectal Cancer and prevention with Dr. Charles Snyder.
There’s been a lot in the news around colon cancer in recent years – Chad Bosman passed away from it in 2020. Then last year, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney helped raise awareness about colon cancer by filming their colonoscopy experience.
Are there any signs or symptoms of colon cancer we should be aware of?
Colorectal cancer doesn’t always show symptoms, but common signs that something is wrong include:
Sudden and consistent change in bowel movements
Unexplained anemia
Rectal pain and bleeding
It’s important to stay up-to-date on your screenings
Are there other colon cancer screening options besides a colonoscopy?
Cologuard – at-home test
Look for blood in the stool and DNA mutations that can be an early indicator for colorectal cancer
Colonoscopy is the best way to prevent colon cancer
Pre-cancerous polpys can be removed during the procedure before they develop into cancer
People could be nervous about having a colonoscopy and put it off
Prep may be considered the most difficult part
Should everyone have a colonoscopy?
Regardless if you’re experiencing digestive issues or not
Colonoscopy is the only screening that can prevent colorectal cancer
Allows your doctor to examine entire colon and remove polyps
New age recommendation is 45 or older (used to be 50)
Fast-track: if you’re over 45 and healthy, you can skip the office visit
Virtua GI & Digestive Health has 19 office locations in South Jersey and more than 40 gastroenterologist so you can get a quick appointment when needed.
For more information or to make an appointment with a Virtua gastroenterologist, visit Virtua.org/GutHealth.
Trust your gut with trusted care.
You trust your gut for everything. But does your gut trust you back? At Virtua Health, they believe that trust goes both ways.
