The best chance for curing disease is through early detection. The Gastroenterology Program conducts screenings for cancer of the esophagus, colon and rectum. Consultative care in the evaluation and treatment of cancers of the digestive tract is also provided at Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin. For patients who require more extensive evaluation, comprehensive clinical support is provided to evaluate and manage virtually all gastrointestinal disorders, including referral for genetic testing and counseling.
Colorectal Cancer Screening Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer and the second most common cause of cancer death in this country. It is usually preventable. Early detection and prevention are the best weapons against colorectal cancer.
Colorectal cancer almost always develops from precancerous polyps (abnormal growths) in the colon or rectum. Screening tests that look for disease before there are any symptoms can find precancerous polyps, so they can be removed. A colonoscopy can actually prevent colon cancer by detecting and removing polyps before they become cancerous. Screening tests can also find colorectal cancer early, when treatment works best.
Screening is done while you are feeling well to find any abnormalities early, before signs and symptoms of disease occur. Men and women should begin screening for colorectal cancer at age 50 and then continue getting screened at regular intervals. However, some may need to be tested earlier or more often if:
- They or a close relative have had colorectal polyps or colorectal cancer or
- They have inflammatory bowel disease
People should discuss when screening should begin and how often to be tested with their primary care physician. To schedule a colonoscopy test at Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin, call 414-805-3666 or 800-272-3666.
Screening Tests for Colorectal Cancer
- Colonoscopy: a test to view the lining of the rectum and the entire colon. A colonoscope is inserted through the rectum. The scope is connected to a video camera and display monitor so the doctor can closely examine the inside of the colon. If a small polyp is found, the doctor will remove it. Some polyps, even those that are not cancerous, can eventually become cancerous. The polyp is sent to a lab to see if it has any areas that have changed into cancer.
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy: a test in which a doctor uses a long, thin, flexible endoscope (flexible sigmoidoscope) to look for problems in the rectum and lower colon (sigmoid colon).
- Radiologic tests such as air-contrast barium enema and CT colonography are also available for screening.
View the American Cancer Society’s Recommendations for Colorectal Cancer Early Detection.
Esophageal Cancer ScreeningEach year, about 15,000 Americans are diagnosed with esophageal cancer. Unfortunately, most are diagnosed at a late stage with symptoms of difficulty swallowing or severe anemia. At this stage, cancer of the esophagus usually cannot be cured.
The best chance for curing the disease is through early detection. In an attempt to screen those at risk, the Gastroenterology Program uses a new form of endoscopy called transnasal ultra-thin unsedated upper endoscopy to view the esophagus and stomach.
The procedure does not require sedation and can be performed in less than 20 minutes. The ultra-thin scope was developed and validated by researchers and clinicians at the Medical College of Wisconsin. It provides the potential for same-day evaluation of patients with various upper intestinal complaints. It can be used to screen for Barrett’s esophagus, esophageal varices (dilated blood vessels) in patients with cirrhosis, evaluation of upper abdominal discomfort, and evaluation of helicobacter pylori bacteria, which can cause stomach inflammation and ulcers in the stomach and can lead to stomach cancer.
Author: Marla Fraunfelder
Date: Oct. 17, 2007
|Medical Reviewer: ||a Saeian, MD, MSC, EPi, FAGG|
|Medical College of Wisconsin gastroenterologist/hepatologist||