Download - Colon and digestive health
Colon and Digestive HealthColon and Digestive Health
Roel Tolentino, MD, MBA, FPCS, FACS, FPSGS, FPSO, FMOSPGeneral Surgery-Surgical Oncology
OutlineOutline Colon Cancer Facts
Getting Tested
Preventive Strategies
What is colon cancer?
Begins in the colon or rectum
Usually develops from pre-cancerous changes or growths in the lining of these organs
These growths are called polyps
Colon Polyp to Cancer takes Colon Polyp to Cancer takes about 10-15 yearsabout 10-15 years
Why don’t we talk about it?
Uncomfortable topic
Unaware of risk factors
Avoidance of doctor check-ups
Fear of getting tested
Perceived as “man’s disease”
No symptoms, no problem
Risk Factors
Nearly 90% of colon cancer patientsare over the age of 50.
Risk increases with age
Risk Factors
Other risk factors include:
family or personal history of colon cancer or polyps
hereditary colorectal syndromes use of cigarettes and other tobacco products high-fat/low fiber diet physical inactivity
Symptoms
Change in bowel habits lasting more than a few days
Bleeding from the rectum Blood in the stool Cramping or gnawing stomach pains Weakness and fatigue
Early colon cancer usually has no symptoms
Why get tested?
Testing can help detect pre-cancerous polyps
Removing the polyp early may prevent it from becoming cancer
Get the test. Get the polyp. Get the cure.
Who should get tested?
American Cancer Society recommends that all
average risk women and men begin regular colon cancer early detection
testing at age 50.
Colon Cancer TestsColon Cancer Tests
Fecal occult blood testing (FOBT)
Barium enema Endoscopy Virtual Colonoscopy
Get the test. Get the polyp. Get the cure.
ColonoscopyColonoscopy
Polypectomy TechniquePolypectomy Technique
Colon Cancer Testing Colon Cancer Testing Is EFFECTIVE!!Is EFFECTIVE!!
Testing rates remain far Testing rates remain far too low!too low!
Are people getting tested?Are people getting tested?
Don’t wait for your doctorDon’t wait for your doctor
Why aren’t people getting Why aren’t people getting tested?tested?
The most common reason people give for not being The most common reason people give for not being tested is:tested is:
““My doctor never talked to me about it !”My doctor never talked to me about it !”
Colon Cancer TestsColon Cancer TestsNew TechniquesNew Techniques
Future Alternatives for Colon Cancer Screening
Virtual ColonoscopyVirtual Colonoscopy
Virtual ColonoscopyVirtual Colonoscopy
Video Capsule ColonoscopyVideo Capsule Colonoscopy No clinical data available
Average Risk IndividualsAverage Risk Individuals
No SymptomsAge 50No risk factors
Current RecommendationsCurrent RecommendationsAverage RiskAverage Risk
Test Interval (years)Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)
Yearly
Sigmoidoscopy Every 5
FOBT + Sigmoidoscopy Every 5
Colonoscopy Every 10*
Barium enema Every 5
ProbioticsProbiotics are defined as "live micro-organisms that confer a are defined as "live micro-organisms that confer a health benefit on the host when administered in adequate amounts.“health benefit on the host when administered in adequate amounts.“ •The major source of probiotics for humans is dairy-based foods containing The major source of probiotics for humans is dairy-based foods containing intestinal species of intestinal species of LactobacillusLactobacillus or or BifidobacteriumBifidobacterium. .
PrebioticsPrebiotics improve the composition and/or activity of the improve the composition and/or activity of the gastrointestinal bacteria.gastrointestinal bacteria.
•They are non-digestible carbohydrates which act by promoting the They are non-digestible carbohydrates which act by promoting the growth probiotic bacteria. growth probiotic bacteria.
•They are found in in tomatoes, onions, garlic, and bananas.They are found in in tomatoes, onions, garlic, and bananas.
•Relatively stable and, arrive relatively unchanged in the gut.Relatively stable and, arrive relatively unchanged in the gut.
The digestive system constitutes The digestive system constitutes
70 % 70 % of the body’s immune of the body’s immune system which means it performs the system which means it performs the
important role of defending the important role of defending the body against harmful bacteria and body against harmful bacteria and
viruses.viruses.
Reduce Your RiskReduce Your RiskChoices for good health
Follow testing guidelines
Know your family history
Get regular exercise
Do not smoke or use other tobacco products
Avoid excessive alcohol consumption
Reduce Your RiskReduce Your RiskChoices for good health
Eat 5 or more servings of fruits & vegetables a day
Choose whole grain foods
Limit your intake of red meat
Maintain a healthy weight
Prevent Colon CancerPrevent Colon CancerSmart steps
Talk to your doctor
Get tested starting at age 50
Encourage your friends, family, and co-workers to get tested
Maintain a healthy lifestyle