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Gastroenterologists in New York City NYC

Colorectal Cancer

Testing for colorectal cancer should be part of your comprehensive medical care for the following reasons:

  • Colorectal cancer is the third-leading cause of cancer death in the United States among both men and women.
  • About 150,000 patients are diagnosed with colorectal cancer each year, and more than 40% of these will die of the disease.
  • The lifetime risk for developing colorectal cancer for an American is 1 in 18
  • The vast majority of colorectal cancers begin as non-cancerous growths called polyps. Removal of colon polyps during colonoscopy reduces your chance of developing colon cancer by greater than 90%.
  • Early stage colorectal cancer can be cured by surgery

All men and women aged 50 and older are at risk for developing colorectal cancer and some individuals are at higher-than-average risk for colorectal cancer. If a patient has a family member who had colorectal cancer or colon polyps, or if the patient has suffered from colitis or colon polyps, he/she may need to begin screening in his/her 30s or 40s.

If you are a woman and have had either breast or uterine cancer you also have a slightly higher risk of developing colorectal cancer.

If your diet is high in fat or low in fiber, if you smoke or drink excessive alcohol, if you do not exercise, or if you are obese you are also at increased risk of developing colorectal cancer.

Your first step in preventing this serious disease is to speak with your physician at NYGA to evaluate your circumstances carefully to fully assess your individual risk for colorectal cancer.

Myths About Colon Cancer Video

ASGE has produced an educational video dispelling colorectal cancer myths. To learn the facts about this disease from an ASGE doctor, watch the video below.

“Catch a Killer” Video

Studies have shown that African-Americans are more frequently diagnosed with colon cancer at a younger age, leading some experts to suggest that African-Americans should begin screening at age 45. Watch this video and learn the risks.

 

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