Health Minister Advocates Timely Colonoscopies

Today [Dec 6] the Minister of Health Zane DeSilva demonstrated the importance of timely colonoscopies by undergoing the procedure himself saying “The decision to do this was two-fold. First, I am hoping to raise awareness about this life-saving procedure and, second, to ensure my own personal health.”

Each year many of Bermuda’s residents undergo the procedure, which can catch colon cancer in its early stages and, ultimately, save lives.

A screening colonoscopy is recommended for adults between ages 50 to age 75, and as dictated by family history of colon cancer. Discussions with one’s physician should annually address this topic.

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide and third most common cancer diagnosed by site in Bermuda. According to statistics provided by the Bermuda National Tumor Registry for 2009, colorectal cancer accounted for 14.7% of all cancers diagnosed in Bermuda. Historically, this form of cancer is just as common among men as women, but in 2009 56% of the cases were in women while 44% were in men.

In Bermuda there are on average 11 deaths per year from cancer of the colon. There were 98 deaths from colon cancer between 2000 and 2008. Most colorectal cancer starts in the cells that line the inside of the colon or the rectum and is often curable when diagnosed at an early stage.

Colorectal cancer is screened for as part of routine medical care when there are no symptoms present as it responds best to treatment when it is found and treated as early as possible. Colonoscopies can detect the presence of colon polyps (small growths on the inner wall of the colon and rectum) which increase the risk of colorectal cancer.

“Colorectal cancer is slow developing,” said the Bermuda Cancer and Health’s Centre’s Education Officer Rhonda Smith-Simmons. “You need a colonoscopy to check for problems, such as polyps. Physicians may choose to remove those polyps that may later turn cancerous.”

#Health

Category: All