Avoiding a Colonoscopy is March Madness!

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and of all the major cancers, its screening procedures are probably some of the most feared and avoided - and misunderstood.

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States and the third most common cancer in men and in women. It is estimated that more than 141,000 Americans will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2011, and approximately 49,000 will die from the disease.

The good news is that colorectal cancer rates have been steadily decreasing over the last 20 years, and that is thanks to improved screening and early detection methods. Colorectal cancer is actually one of the most highly treatable cancers when it's found early. That's because most of these cancers start out as small, non-cancerous growths known as polyps. Early testing can find and detect these polyps, allowing them to be removed before they turn cancerous. Simply put, you can stop cancer before it starts.

There are several tests for colorectal cancer, with the most common being stool tests and colonoscopies. A colonoscopy is a procedure in which a thin, lighted tube is inserted into the rectum to allow the doctor to view the inner lining of the colon. Preparing for the test is more inconvenient than the procedure itself. In fact, people who are having a colonoscopy are given medicine to help them relax; many people sleep through the exam.

Both men and women, beginning at age 50, should have a colonoscopy once every 10 years, and perhaps more often if there is a history of colorectal cancer in their family. I strongly urge you to talk with your doctor or health care professional about which colorectal cancer screening procedure is right for you. Don't let a little discomfort get in the way of saving your life.

-Ed Partridge, M.D.

The Smoke Is Clearing?

A report in the Journal of the American Medical Association that was released today has noted the significant decrease in the prevalence of heavy smokers (20 or more cigarettes a day) in the United States. Also noted was the substantial decrease in California compared to the rest of the country. As pointed out by the report's authors, one of the reasons for the greater decline in California is comprehensive tobacco control programs.

Smoking rates in Alabama remain some of the highest in the country. We have a tremendous opportunity to save lives in Alabama (there have been substantial declines in lung cancer deaths in California) by adopting a statewide clean indoor air bill and increasing state taxes on cigarettes and other tobacco products.

It is amazing that a decade into the 21st century, Alabama continues to allow its citizens to die from an addictive product, when both clean indoor air and tax increases have been shown to substantially reduce consumption. Now is the time to get such legislation passed.

I encourage you to contact your legislator and urge them to act on this problem. And if you or someone you know needs help to quit smoking, please visit http://www.alabamaquitnow.com/.

-Ed Partridge, M.D.