If you feel ill with fever, flu-like symptoms or respiratory illness, please call us to reschedule your appointment. Please Do Not Bring Children Under age 16 to Appointments.

Give Yourself a Fighting Chance Against Colon Cancer

Colon cancer is serious. It’s the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths for men and women in their respective categories. If you combine men and women, it jumps to the second leading cause. While some risk factors are out of your control, such as age or race, there are lifestyle factors that may impact your risk and are within your control.

 

45 is the New 50 – Get Screened!

The new recommended age for those at average risk to begin screening for colon cancer is 45. Why? The western sedentary lifestyle and diet have increased the risk of developing colon cancer at a younger age. If you have a family history of colon cancer, your doctor will likely recommend a screening at an even younger age. Know your family history – it could save your life!

 

Diet

A typical Western diet may put you at higher risk of developing colon cancer, among other health issues. The Western diet is characterized by low fiber, high fat and high calorie, high salt processed foods. You may be able to lower your risk of developing colon cancer by including more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet. These foods provide a variety of vitamins and minerals, antioxidants, and ample amounts of fiber – all the “good for you” qualities in food!

 

Physical Activity Levels

More and more people live increasingly sedentary lifestyles putting you at a higher risk of developing colon cancer. Reduce your risk by being physically active for at least 30 minutes most days of the week. You don’t have to get all of your activity in at once. Try getting up and moving for 5-10 minutes at a time repeatedly throughout the day. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about increasing your physical activity.

 

Weight

Obesity doesn’t just increase your risk of developing colon cancer–it also increases your risk of dying from it in comparison to those with a normal weight. Talk to your doctor about weight loss goals so they can help you develop a healthy, realistic plan to meet them. Some insurances will even help patients attain weight management services. Remember, significant weight loss takes time, patience and persistence.

 

While the exact cause of colon cancer remains unknown, we do know that certain lifestyle factors increase your risk of developing it. Give yourself a fighting chance to live a long, healthy life. Take care of your body and get screened today. The specialists at Granite Peaks Gastroenterology are in your corner.

Headlines are misleading. Colorectal cancer screening saves lives!

You may have recently read or heard that a study published in The New England Journal of Medicine showed that colonoscopy does not reduce colorectal cancer very much and does not reduce death from colorectal cancer.

Not exactly.

As with many things, the details matter. Those details show a very different picture than the headlines suggest.

 

THE STUDY:

  • 85,000 people living in four countries in Europe
  • One-third received a letter inviting them to have a colonoscopy, the others received no colorectal cancer screening
  • Ten years later, colon cancer risk was 18% less in the invited group and there was no difference in colorectal cancer deaths between the groups. This is the typical headline
  • But… many important details were left out

 

THE DETAILS:

  • Less than half (42%) of those invited to have a colonoscopy actually had one
  • In those who actually had a colonoscopy:
    • The risk of developing colorectal cancer decreased by 31%
    • The risk of dying from colorectal cancer decreased by 50%

 

THE BOTTOM LINE:

This study, along with prior studies, shows that colonoscopy decreases your chances of getting and dying from colorectal cancer. Getting sick and dying from colorectal cancer – especially due to delayed screening – is real. Screening with colonoscopy saves lives.

 

For more information, check out the topics on Colonoscopy and Colorectal Cancer:

gi.org/topics/colorectal-cancer

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month!

Originally posted on 3/5/2019
Updated on 3/10/2022

 

By R. Kyle Barnett, MD

Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among men and women combined in the United States, but most cases are preventable with appropriate screening. Efforts to increase colorectal cancer screening are urgently needed.

Who should be screened for colorectal cancer?

The American Cancer Society recommends screening for people at average risk of colorectal cancer at age 45, although some insurance companies have not adapted this recommendation as of yet. Higher risk individuals (for example, those with a family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps, those with a prior history of polyps or those with inflammatory bowel disease) may need to start screening at an earlier age.

How should I be screened?

Various test options are available for colorectal cancer screening.

1. Stool-based tests check the stool for signs of cancer and include fecal immunochemical test (FIT) every year, guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (FOBT) every year or stool DNA test (Cologuard) every 3 years.

2. Visual exams of the colon and rectum look at the structure of the colon and rectum for any abnormal areas and include colonoscopy every 10 years or less, depending on the outcome, CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy) every 5 years or flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years.

Note: If a person chooses to be screened with a test other than colonoscopy, any abnormal test result should be followed up with a colonoscopy.

Each test has pros and cons, and one might be a better option for you than another. The most important thing is to GET SCREENED!

My doctor recently recommended a stool DNA test for screening. Is that test as effective as a colonoscopy?

The simple answer is No.

-Cologuard detects the presence of precancerous or cancerous cells by testing DNA from stool samples. It requires no bowel prep, no pre-test diet or medication changes, is done at home and is fairly inexpensive, often covered by insurance.

-However, studies indicate Cologuard detects only 92% of cancers and detects only 42% of precancerous polyps, making it far less effective as a preventative tool.

-It has a 13% false positive rate (meaning the test reads positive in the absence of disease), requiring further testing or confirmation with colonoscopy. This colonoscopy would not be covered by most insurance companies as a screening test; it would be considered a diagnostic test.

-Cologuard must be used for screening every 3 years, as compared to colonoscopy every 10 years – if no polyps were found.

-Colonoscopy detects more than 95% of cancers and more than 80% of all polyps, some of which could be precancerous. In addition, colonoscopy can detect other diseases and allows for the immediate removal of polyps (some of which are precancerous growths).

Does insurance cover my colorectal screening test?

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires both private insurers and Medicare to cover the costs of colorectal cancer screening tests. At this time, many, but not all insurers cover the cost of colorectal cancer screening before the age of 50. However, the ACA doesn’t apply to health plans that were in effect before the law was passed in 2010. Check with your insurance provider to be sure.

Make a difference in your life or the life of a loved one. Get screened! Contact Granite Peaks Gastroenterology to schedule your colon cancer screening today.

The Facts About a Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is a simple procedure during which a gastroenterologist uses a Colonoscope to view the entire colon of a patient. This procedure may be used for diagnosing various gastrointestinal disorders, such as colon polyps, colon cancer, diverticulosis, inflammatory bowel disease, rectal bleeding or abdominal pain.

The unique benefit of having a colonoscopy colon cancer screening is that the test is also the treatment for colon polyps. While the gastroenterologist is viewing the colon, they remove polyps before they have a chance to grow and develop into cancer.

 

What to Expect Before Your Colonoscopy

The bowel prep is what most patients dread the most, and it’s actually quite simple. For most people, not all, they will be on a clear liquid diet the day before their procedure. They will begin drinking the first dose of bowel prep (in most cases, a tasteless powder mixed with the clear liquid of your choice) between 4-5:30pm that evening. After spending some time in the bathroom, you should be able to get some sleep, waking up 4 hours before your appointment to drink the second half of your bowel prep. Here are some other expectations you should have before your colonoscopy:

  • Plan for your driver to remain at the facility during your procedure
  • Plan to be at our facility for approximately 2 hours
  • Complete paperwork
  • Nurses will admit you and place your IV
  • Meet your procedure team – Doctor, CRNA, Technician
  • Your Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) will sedate you using Propofol

 

What to Expect During Your Colonoscopy

Our gastroenterologists use a flexible instrument with a light and miniature camera on the tip, called an endoscope. The “scope” is placed in the rectum and advanced through the colon. The camera displays magnified images on the TV for your gastroenterologist to evaluate while performing the colonoscopy. Miniaturized instruments can be inserted through the scope to obtain biopsies of the colon, remove polyps and to help diagnose or treat your condition. Bonus: a hemorrhoid banding is required, it can be done at the end of your procedure, while you are still sedated.

 

What to Expect After Your Colonoscopy

  • You will awaken in the recovery area where your driver may join you, if you wish
  • You’ll need to pass gas – do this as much as possible to prevent cramping
  • Your doctor will discuss his/her impressions of the exam
  • Your nurse will discuss discharge instructions with you
  • Dress, go home and EAT (unless your doctor instructed otherwise)
  • Any biopsies taken will be sent to a lab for evaluation
  • Expect Lab Results in 7-14 days, depending on the type of tests
  • You may not drive, make legal decisions or perform functions requiring judgment or balance for 4 hours
  • Our nurses will call you the first business day following your procedure to check on you and to address any issues or questions you may have. Please let them know if you are experiencing any problems after your procedure.
  • When results are available, your physician’s medical assistant will call you to share results and any orders the physician feels are important for your continuing digestive health care.

 

A colonoscopy is a simple procedure with excellent success rates for catching colon cancer in its early stages. If you are 45 or older, or have a family history of colon cancer, schedule your colon cancer screening colonoscopy today with the physicians at Granite Peaks Gastroenterology.

Two-Time Colon Cancer Survivor – Stacey Grundmann, Granite Peaks Gastroenterology Employee

Stacey Grundmann

I can now say I am a two-time cancer survivor, but it didn’t have to get this far! In summer of 2016 I noticed a change in my bowel habits and was having abdominal pain. I checked in with Dr. Barnett, but I was not honest with him about my symptoms and I did not have a colonoscopy done at that time of this appointment. I waited an entire year to finally see him again, as I was unable to ignore my symptoms any longer.

After an examination, he said my abdomen was full of tumors and he scheduled a CT scan the next morning. Later than morning, he let me know I had metastasized cancer and he had made an appointment for me with a surgeon on Friday and I was scheduled for surgery on Monday. I was devastated. I saw the surgeon who was upfront with me and said, “there are two outcomes here. We do nothing and you will die. If it’s a reoccurrence of breast cancer, there is nothing I can do. If it’s a different type of cancer, and I can remove it, I will do everything I can to remove all of it.”

I was scared to death as I went into surgery unsure of my situation. The surgeon found 30 lbs of a very rare “tubular” cancer out of my abdomen. Next, I had very strong chemotherapy to prevent any further occurrence.  It was miserable, but thanks to the support of family, friends and my team at work I knew I would beat it!

Now, 11 months later, I am back at work helping other people get in for their procedures. I have worked here more than 16 years, scheduling patients for their colonoscopy and other procedures. I call people who are past due and I admit, I am pretty insistent that they schedule their screening because of my past history. I KNEW better than to let it go and ignore my symptoms. I had cancer for several years and didn’t know it.

I am now due for my 5th colonoscopy and I am dedicated to staying on top of my own health and persuading our patients do the same. I have lost 30 inches of my intestines and my digestive system has changed so I take probiotics and fiber to help me.

I was lucky. If I had ignored it any longer I may not be here at all. I can’t stress enough how important this type of preventive medicine is. Prevention is the key.

I just had my annual colonoscopy February of 2019 and, sure enough, I had precancerous polyps which Dr. Barnett removed. You better believe I won’t delay any of my tests moving forward. It just shows how vigilant you must be in your own health care.

Be your own advocate. Don’t put yourself in the position to pay the ultimate price by ignoring important messages from your body, and don’t assume because you feel alright that you don’t need preventative screenings. If you’re 50 or over, or have a family history, don’t wait! Get it done!

Kristine – Cancer Survivor

Developed by May Marschner, PA-C with Kristine, Colon Cancer Survivor

Kristine colon cancer survivor

As medical providers, our job is not only to diagnose and treat patients, but also to educate them.  I have found over the years, however, that patients with shared experiences are often able to share far more wisdom than any textbook, research study, or lecture by a doctor or physician assistant. Kristine is a friend of mine who was diagnosed with colon cancer 18 months ago. She graciously agreed to share her story with us this month, when the medical community focuses specifically on colon cancer awareness. Life is precious. Come on y’all – get your colonoscopy! 

My name is Kristine and I was diagnosed with colon cancer on August 25, 2017. My story is about listening. Listening to your body, listening to your family and listening to the medical community.

I did not listen to my body. I had been having abdominal pain for several months. It was very intermittent. Soon after, I began having very unusual bowel movements. I thought I had developed an egg allergy or had become lactose intolerant. I was also up several times a night having bowel movements or feeling the need to urinate.

I didn’t listen to family. My grandmother had lost a long and painful battle with colon cancer when I was 18. I had been reminded by my mom to get tested, but I didn’t listen.

I didn’t listen to the medical community. I had not had a colonoscopy at age 50. (The recommended age now has been reduced to 45 by the American Cancer Society).

I finally listened to my sub-conscious. I needed to get tested. I called and made the appointment. The procedure itself is simple, you are prepped, you are asleep, you are awake. That’s it.

Then I had to listen. I had to listen to the doctor who performed the procedure tell me that there was a large tumor in my sigmoid colon. It was so large he could not see past it.

I listened to one surgeon tell me that I would need radiation and chemotherapy before surgery to shrink the tumor and a second surgeon’s plan of surgery and then chemotherapy. I went with the second opinion.

November 16, 2017, I had surgery to remove the tumor. All went well. I was home in four days. 48 hours later I was in the ER with a reconnect site leak. I spent 5 days hoping it would resolve itself and then listened as my surgeon told me I would need surgery to wash out my abdomen, place a drain and have an ileostomy. I also listened as he told me that all the tested nodes came back negative. Good news, finally.

I spent 2 weeks in the hospital with complications, an ileostomy that would not stop leaking, edema in my legs and a bladder that would not wake up. Finally, things began to resolve, and I spent a week in rehab before coming home.

The New Year brought more listening. Listening to my body on New Year’s Eve that landed me in the ER with an infection and 48 hours in the hospital with IV antibiotics and then listening to my oncologist. There was something on my liver. Scans confirmed it, it had metastasized to my liver. I was now stage 4.

I had a liver ablation and my port placed, then chemotherapy treatment started a few days later.

While chemotherapy is not enjoyable in any way, it isn’t what it was when my grandmother had it. There are medications that prevented me from having nausea and vomiting. I did 12 rounds of FOLFOX, every two weeks, which required an IV treatment and then 48 hours of wearing a pump of chemo drugs. The two days after being disconnected are the worst and I spent my treatment weekends in bed. Food tasted funny, cold sensitivity is real and the neuropathy started to set in by round 11 of 12.

On November 5, 2018 I listened as my oncologist told me I was NED (no evidence of disease)!

After treatments are over and you are waiting for scans every 6 months, the mind plays games and is probably the most difficult part of the journey. It’s hard not to listen. You are no longer actively treating and killing off the cancer cells. You are waiting for scans and hoping you get to listen to another good report. (“scanxiety” is real in the cancer community).

I have found support in online colon cancer groups and there is one thing that has been very worrisome to me, there is a growing number of colon cancer patients that are young, in their 30’s and 40’s. Often, they are misdiagnosed because it is not “recommended” to have a colonoscopy before age 45. Sadly, many of these young people are stage 4 before they are properly diagnosed. That is why it is so important to listen to your body and fight until someone listens to you.

Everyone faces their journey differently. I am very vocal about it, I want others to listen to my story. I sought out online support groups that have been a wealth of information and support. They get it. Others choose to not be as vocal, preferring to keep it to themselves. I understand that at times it is hard for family and friends to understand everything we are experiencing. I don’t look sick and sometimes that is difficult for others to understand. They may say we look great, but inside we are still fighting. I suggest finding someone who will listen to you, who understands all the fears, the scanxiety, the rollercoaster ride of emotions. And, if you can, become an advocate. This month my Facebook page will be filled with information and funny memes to remind people to be screened. Last year I had 3 friends who listened and scheduled appointments to be screened!

So, remember:

– Listen to your body.

– Listen to your family history

– Listen to the medical community

– Listen to that voice in the back of your head

And, listen to me. Early detection through screening is crucial! The symptoms that led me to my colonoscopy didn’t present themselves until the tumor had grown quite large. If I had been screened at age 50, I may not have had to endure all the complications, the ileostomy, and chemotherapy. The idea of the embarrassment of a colonoscopy (and I know for many that is a factor) would have prevented so many other uncomfortable and much more embarrassing procedures.

I will not let colon cancer define me, but I will not let it stop me from educating as many people as I can, and I hope they listen because the only way we can prevent others from late stage diagnosis is to talk until they listen and get screened.

 

Understanding Colon Polyps and Treatment

By American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

What Is a Colon Polyp?
Polyps are benign growths (noncancerous tumors or neoplasms)  involving the lining of the bowel. They can occur in several locations in the gastrointestinal tract but are most common in the colon. They vary in size from less than a quarter of an inch to several inches in diameter. They look like small bumps growing from the lining of the bowel and protruding into the lumen (bowel cavity). They sometimes grow on a “stalk” and look like mushrooms. Some polyps can also be flat. Many patients have several polyps scattered in different parts of the colon. Some polyps can contain small areas of cancer, although the vast majority of polyps do not.

How Common Are Colon Polyps? What Causes Them?
Polyps are very common in adults, who have an increased chance of acquiring them, especially as we get older. While quite rare in 20-year-olds, it’s estimated that the average 60-year-old without special risk factors for polyps has a 25 percent chance of having a polyp. We don’t know what causes polyps. Some experts believe a high-fat, low-fiber diet can be a predisposition to polyp formation. There may be a genetic risk to develop polyps as well.

What Are Known Risks for Developing Polyps?
The biggest risk factor for developing polyps is being older than 50. A family history of colon polyps or colon cancer increases the risk of polyps. Also, patients with a personal history of polyps or colon cancer are at risk of developing new polyps. In addition, there are some rare polyp or cancer syndromes that run in families and increase the risk of polyps occurring at younger ages.

There are two common types: hyperplastic polyp and adenoma. The hyperplastic polyp is not at risk for cancer. The adenoma, however, is thought to be the precursor (origin) for almost all colon cancers, although most adenomas never become cancers. Histology examination of tissue under a microscope) is the best way to differentiate between hyperplastic and adenomatous polyps.

Although it’s impossible to tell which adenomatous polyps will become cancers, larger polyps are more likely to become cancers and some of the largest ones (those larger than 1 inch) can already contain small areas of cancer. Because your doctor cannot be certain of the tissue type by the polyp’s appearance, doctors generally recommend removing all polyps found during a colonoscopy.

How Are Polyps Found?
Most polyps cause no symptoms. Larger ones can cause blood in the stools, but even they are usually asymptomatic. Therefore, the best way to detect polyps is by screening individuals with no symptoms. Several other screening techniques are available: testing stool specimens for traces of blood, performing sigmoidoscopy to look into the lower third of the colon, or using a radiology test such as a barium enema or CT colonography. If one of these tests finds or suspects polyps, your doctor will generally recommend colonoscopy to remove them. Because colonoscopy is the most accurate way to detect polyps, many experts now recommend colonoscopy as a screening method so that any polyps found or suspected can be removed during the same procedure.

How Are Polyps Removed?
Most polyps found during colonoscopy can be completely removed during the procedure. Various removal techniques are available; most involve removing them with a wire loop biopsy forceps and/or burning the polyp base with an electric current. This is called polyp resection. Because the bowel’s lining isn’t sensitive to cutting or burning, polyp resection doesn’t cause discomfort. Resected polyps are then examined under a microscope by a pathologist to determine the tissue type and to detect any cancer. If a large or unusual looking polyp is removed or left for possible surgical management, the endoscopist may mark the site by injecting small amounts of sterile India ink or carbon black into the bowel wall. this is called endoscopic tattooing.

What Are the Risks of Polyp Removal?
Polyp removal (or polypectomy) during colonoscopy is a routine outpatient procedure. Possible complications, which are uncommon, include bleeding from the polypectomy site and perforation (a hole or tear) of the colon. Bleeding from the polypectomy site can be immediate or delayed for several days; persistent bleeding can almost always be stopped by treatment during colonoscopy. Perforations rarely occur and may require surgery to repair.

How Often Do I Need Colonoscopy if I Have Polyps Removed?
Your doctor will decide when your next colonoscopy is necessary. The timing depends on several factors, including the numbe and size of polyps removed, the polyps’ tissue type and the quality of the colon cleansing for your previous procedure. The quality of cleansing affects your doctor’s ability to see the surface of the colon.

If the polyps were small and the entire colon was well seen during your colonoscopy, doctors generally recommend a repeat colonoscopy in three to five years. If your repeat colonoscopy doesn’t show any indication of polyps, you might not need another procedure for an additional five years.

However, if the polyps were large and flat, your doctor might recommend an interval of only months before a repeat colonoscopy to assure complete polyp removal. Your doctor will discuss those options with you.

IMPORTANT REMINDER: The preceding information is intended only to provide general information and not as a definitive basis for diagnosis or treatment in any particular case. It is very important that you consult your doctor about your specific condition.

Cancer Survivor Story: Stacey

Stacey works as a procedure scheduler at Granite Peaks Gastroenterology. When she was thirty years old and pregnant with her youngest child, she found a lump in her breast. The lump turned out to be cancerous, and it didn’t look good for Stacey. But after going through harsh chemotherapy and treatment, Stacey is a cancer survivor.

Eight years later, Stacey began working at Granite Peaks Gastroenterology. “At the time, I was desperately needing a job,” she says, “but I wasn’t happy about it…all I could think about was how upset I was to be talking to patients about their bowel habits all day.” Little did she know that her new job would be a blessing in disguise. Stacey tells us:

“One morning, I was chatting with a new coworker about my battles with breast cancer. One of our doctors, Dr. Heiner, overheard the conversation and asked me if I had ever had a colonoscopy. Shocked, I sternly replied, ‘I am thirty-eight years old, no I have not had a colonoscopy!’ He told me that breast cancer and colon cancer are very closely related, and the next thing I know, he’s scheduled me for a procedure the very next day.”

“So there I was, about to have a colonoscopy performed by my employer, wondering how I was going to go into work to face him after he’s seen my best side. As the sedation wore off and I woke up, Dr. Heiner was there smiling and proud and said, ‘The colonoscopy just saved your life.’ He went on to explain that he had found precancerous polyps and that I would have never made it to forty if I hadn’t had the procedure.”

“Thirteen years later and I am still here, a cancer survivor, preaching to the choir every single day. I have had five colonoscopies since and have had precancerous polyps each time. I can’t begin to tell people how important [colonoscopy screening] is. That’s why I love my job so much, I love sharing my story to help people understand and spread colon cancer awareness.”

Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in the U.S.. But when colorectal cancer is diagnosed early, the 5 year survival rate is 90%. Screening and early detection saves lives. Schedule a colonoscopy with Granite Peaks Gastroenterology today.

 

Meet Colon Cancer Survivor Ben

At age 59, Ben noticed he had been experiencing subtle changes in his bowel movements for the past nine months. He decided to talk with his internist about his symptoms. Ben’s internal medicine physician mentioned that he was very overdue for his colonoscopy screening. Since Ben didn’t have a family history of colon cancer, he should have had a colonoscopy done at age 50. Knowing he could not put it off any longer, Ben scheduled a colonoscopy with a gastroenterologist.

Ben’s colonoscopy revealed a large cancerous polyp that had gone through the colon wall and spread into his lymph system. Faced with a diagnosis of Stage IVA colon cancer, his chances of survival were lower than he hoped for.

With his gastroenterologist’s support, Ben was optimistic that he could beat colon cancer. He had surgery to remove the section of the colon containing the cancer, along with the lymph nodes. Six months of chemotherapy was the next step in his brave fight against colon cancer. During those hard days of chemo treatment and its challenging side effects, Ben maintained his positive attitude and was determined to be a colon cancer survivor.

Ben is now 75 years old and his follow-up colonoscopies have not shown any recurrence of cancer. Ben IS a colon cancer survivor — and he wants everyone to know just how important colorectal screening is. Colonoscopy screening is vital for those aged 50 and older, having abnormal bowel movements, or with a family history of cancer. Get a colonoscopy. It can save your life, just as it did Ben’s.

Call Granite Peaks GI today to schedule your colonoscopy at (801) 619-9000 or request an appointment online.

 

March is National Colon Cancer Awareness Month; Age 50 & Over Most At Risk

Colorectal cancer is Utah’s second leading cause of cancer-related deaths; patients have a 90 percent survival rate with early detection.

March is dedicated as National Colon Cancer Awareness Month, a time to spread colon cancer screening awareness and urge preventative screening for those 50 and older. Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States and in Utah.  The lifetime risk of developing colon cancer is 5%.  Most people diagnosed with colon cancer are age 50 or older, yet one-third of adults in this age group have not been screened.  When colon cancer is detected early, there is a 90% survival rate.

Granite Peaks Gastroenterology, in accordance with the National Cancer Institute and the entire medical community, recommends that routine colon cancer screening begin with a colonoscopy at the age of 50 for those at average risk.  Individuals who are at high risk, such as those with a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, should be tested earlier.

Most colon cancers start as small pre-cancerous growths called polyps.  It may take up to ten years for a polyp to develop into colon cancer.  The physicians at Granite Peaks Gastroenterology know that a colonoscopy, with the early detection and removal of these polyps, is the most powerful weapon available to prevent colon cancer.

Dr. Christopher Cutler, a board-certified gastroenterologist at Granite Peaks, says, “Colon cancer is preventable. A screening colonoscopy is painless, modest, safe and covered by Medicare as well as nearly all private insurance plans. This simple test could save your life.  Many of my patients have remarked, ‘If I had known how easy this procedure is, I would have scheduled a colonoscopy a long time ago.’”

There are often no obvious symptoms of colon cancer, but individuals should see their physician if they experience any of the following symptoms: blood in the stool, abdominal pain or cramps that don’t go away, a change in bowel movements, or unexplained weight loss.

It is important to contact a gastroenterologist to schedule your colonoscopy screening.

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