I have been thinking about our future. I am not going to put you at further risk. I will undergo necessary screening and check up when appropriate to figure out whether you have polyps or not. Although it's still early for my age, I just want to think ahead. The first step for general cancer treatment is to focus on prevention. According to the American Cancer Society, more than one million colorectal cancer survivors in our country because of improved prevention, early detection, and treatment. You can develop into cancer unnoticed (without any pain); therefore, I will share with you some insights about how to check things out!
According to the National Cancer Institute, I should have you screen for colorectal cancer starting at 50 years of age and continue through 75 years of age as long as the result has been negative. Anyone in the highest risk group should be screened at a younger age. Since I don't think you belong to that category, you should be fine until I turn 50. The recommended screening tests include: checking for blood in stool (high sensitivity fecal occult blood test), or using an instrument to look at yours and rectum's linings (sigmoidscopy and colonoscopy). Virtual colonoscopy and tests that analyze my DNA in the stool or my blood sample would be the new methods for screening. I should check and see what the insurance coverage is before checking you out with the new methods. The American Cancer Society also shared some interesting information about diagnosis of colorectal cancer. It is very descriptive so I will summarize it for you.
First, we would begin with a blood sample to test my complete blood count (CBC), because I would have fewer red blood cells (anemia) if you have cancer. It will also look into my liver enzymes to see how my liver is doing. It is possible for your cancer to spread it to my liver. And then, they will look for some tumor markers (carcinoembryonic antigen and CA 19-9). When analyzing my blood is completed, I may need a colonoscope, a long, lighted tube with a camera at the end, to see what's going on inside you and rectum. The examination takes about 30 minutes. If any polyps is detected, it would be removed immediately during the procedure. By the way, you won't feel anything during the colonoscopy because you will be under sedation. For any polyps removed, they would be sent to the lab for a biopsy test to see if it's benign or cancerous. Sometimes CT scans, ultrasound and or MRI would be used to see the whole picture of you and rectum such as the picture of the mass in you and to see whether the cancer has infected other parts of the body. Before taking any tests, I should discuss in details about the purpose and the pros and cons of each test with my doctor. Don't worry, Colon, I will take good care of you!
Yours sincerely,
Jumbo
Reference:
How is colorectal cancer diagnosed? (n.d.). Retrieved April 22, 2015, from http://www.cancer.org/cancer/colonandrectumcancer/detailedguide/colorectal-cancer-diagnosed
According to the National Cancer Institute, I should have you screen for colorectal cancer starting at 50 years of age and continue through 75 years of age as long as the result has been negative. Anyone in the highest risk group should be screened at a younger age. Since I don't think you belong to that category, you should be fine until I turn 50. The recommended screening tests include: checking for blood in stool (high sensitivity fecal occult blood test), or using an instrument to look at yours and rectum's linings (sigmoidscopy and colonoscopy). Virtual colonoscopy and tests that analyze my DNA in the stool or my blood sample would be the new methods for screening. I should check and see what the insurance coverage is before checking you out with the new methods. The American Cancer Society also shared some interesting information about diagnosis of colorectal cancer. It is very descriptive so I will summarize it for you.
First, we would begin with a blood sample to test my complete blood count (CBC), because I would have fewer red blood cells (anemia) if you have cancer. It will also look into my liver enzymes to see how my liver is doing. It is possible for your cancer to spread it to my liver. And then, they will look for some tumor markers (carcinoembryonic antigen and CA 19-9). When analyzing my blood is completed, I may need a colonoscope, a long, lighted tube with a camera at the end, to see what's going on inside you and rectum. The examination takes about 30 minutes. If any polyps is detected, it would be removed immediately during the procedure. By the way, you won't feel anything during the colonoscopy because you will be under sedation. For any polyps removed, they would be sent to the lab for a biopsy test to see if it's benign or cancerous. Sometimes CT scans, ultrasound and or MRI would be used to see the whole picture of you and rectum such as the picture of the mass in you and to see whether the cancer has infected other parts of the body. Before taking any tests, I should discuss in details about the purpose and the pros and cons of each test with my doctor. Don't worry, Colon, I will take good care of you!
Yours sincerely,
Jumbo
Reference:
How is colorectal cancer diagnosed? (n.d.). Retrieved April 22, 2015, from http://www.cancer.org/cancer/colonandrectumcancer/detailedguide/colorectal-cancer-diagnosed
Tests to Detect Colorectal Cancer and Polyps. (n.d.). Retrieved April 23, 2015, from http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/colorectal/screening-fact-sheet
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