Colon Cancer Awareness Back

Dr Neofytos P. Papageorgiou, MD is joining forces with thousands of patients, survivors, caregivers and advocates throughout the world to raise awareness of this potentially life-threatening disease.

Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in both men and women.  One in 22 men and one in 24 women will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in their lifetime. As Dr Papageorgiou stresses “Facts such as these cannot be ignored or dismissed especially as colon cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer.  If caught early, over 90% of these cases could and should result in a full recovery.”

In 2012 alone 1.4 million new cases have been diagnosed and almost 694,000 deaths estimated to have occurred the same year. Dr Papageorgiou, however, is optimistic since “there are signs that incidence rates in people 50 and older are dropping.  This trend is thought to be largely the result of screening, which can prevent CRC by detecting and removing precancerous polyps.”

Since there are often no symptoms when it is first developing, colorectal cancer can only be caught early through regular screening, that is why Dr Papageorgiou urges the public to seek medical advice and get tested under their physician’s advice.  “The benefits of early detection and treatment are truly extraordinary.”

CRC SCREENING GUIDELINES

  • Starting at age 50, men and women at average risk for developing colorectal cancer should use one of the screening tests below:
    – Colonoscopy every 10 years
    – CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy) every 5 years (colonoscopy should be done if test results are positive)
    – Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years (colonoscopy should be done if test results are positive)
    – Double-contrast barium enema every 5 years (colonoscopy should be done if test results are positive)
  • If you are at an increased or high risk of colorectal cancer, you might need to start colorectal cancer screening before age 50 and/or be screened more often depending upon the recommendation of their physician. The following conditions make your risk higher than average:
    – A personal history of colorectal cancer of adenomatous polyps
    – A personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease)
    – A strong family history of colorectal cancer or polyps
    – A known family history of a hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome

PREVENTION TIPS

Dr Papageorgiou notes that in addition to timely and regular screening for colorectal cancer, people may be able to lower their risk of developing the disease by:

  • Avoiding foods that are high in fat.
  • Eating plenty of vegetables, fruits and other high-fiber foods.
  • Exercising regularly and maintaining a normal body weight.
  • Not smoking and consume alcohol only in moderation.

For more information on colorectal cancer screening, prevention and treatment or to make an appointment to see Dr Neofytos P. Papageorgiou call on 22476752 at American Medical Center in Nicosia or on 26848484 at Iasis Hospital in Pafos.