Incidence is decreasing in adults over 65 years of age, but increasing in younger adults. But colorectal exams can save lives.
Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death in the United States, excluding certain types of skin cancer.
Incidence rates are decreasing among adults 65 years and older; rising In young adults. But colorectal exams can save lives.
If this cancer is caught before it spreads, the five-year survival rate is 90%.
To learn about some of the risk factors for colon cancer, we spoke with Dr. Randy Meisner, a gastroenterologist at Corewell Health.
She said these include a family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps, lifestyle factors such as smoking, heavy drinking, obesity and a sedentary lifestyle, and ethnicity (African Americans are more likely to have colorectal cancer). (with higher incidence and mortality rates than other populations) and other colorectal cancer risks. Related diseases such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
According to Dr. Meisner, screening is very important. “One in three adults who meet the criteria for colorectal screening have not yet been tested,” he said.
People between the ages of 45 and 75 who are at average risk may want to consider regular colon cancer screening. ”
There are many screening options, including some at-home options and in-office options such as colonoscopies.
Dr. Meisner said Corewell Health has a new tool at its disposal, Medtronic GI Genius.
“GI Genius is an artificial intelligence-powered tool that works with our existing endoscopy equipment to help identify colon polyps during colonoscopies.”
A recently published clinical trial demonstrated that GI Genius improves polyp and adenoma detection rates.
“We tested GI Genius in several of Corewell Health’s endoscopy facilities and received overwhelming support from physicians to obtain this product,” said Dr. Meisner. “This is another tool to help find and remove colon polyps. Ultimately, it can help patients prevent colon cancer.”
Corewell Health has Michigan’s largest volume center, performing more than 25,000 endoscopy procedures annually.
“We have the largest group of gastroenterologists in West Michigan,” Dr. Meisner said. “Our specialists are involved not only in routine treatments, but also in many advanced and complex care cases. We offer a wide range of services.”
If you are a Corewell Health patient and would like to schedule a colonoscopy, you can do so through your MyChart account.or you can also visit https://www.spectrumhealth.org/services/digestive-health.
This article is sponsored by Corewell Health.
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