Local doctor recommends colorectal screening

March 28--Dr. Martin Walko encouraged people who are having lower intestinal symptoms -- and those over the age of 50 -- to schedule a colorectal cancer screen.

He stressed that the disease is treatable and curable -- if its detected early enough.

Walko, a general surgeon at Lehigh Valley Health Network'sHealth & Wellness Center in Hazleton, noted that free cancer screening tests are available at a number of locations until Friday as part of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.

According to Walko, colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer killer of men and women in the United States. In the vast majority of cases, the disease starts as a tiny polyp which can take years to grow into a cancer.

Consequently, removing polyps before they have a chance to turn cancerous can be a lifesaver.

"Colon-rectal cancer symptoms can be insidious and inconsistent until the cancer is large, or spread, which is why screening is so important," Walko said. "Worrisome symptoms include rectal bleeding, change in bowel habits/irregularity, diarrhea, mucous per rectum, unexplained weight loss and jaundice. Too many people self-diagnose bleeding as 'hemorrhoids' when they have polyps or cancer."

That's why, he said, anyone having lower intestinal symptoms should be tested. The same goes for people ages 50 and older, and those who have a personal or family history of colon polyps or cancer.

Walko said there are a number of tests for colon cancers. The local hospital offers colonoscopies, sigmoidoscopies and barium enemas.

"However, most physicians and health care providers consider colonoscopy the 'gold standard' and recommend it to patients," he said.

Not painful

"Like all tests, there are pros and cons, but discussing this with your primary care provider usually helps address concerns," Walko said.

He stressed the importance of a healthy lifestyle.

"Colon-rectal cancer is a 'lifestyle cancer' directly affected by your diet and exercise/activity habits. Since we tend to learn diet and activity from our family, we can learn activities that put us at a greater or lesser risk for colon-rectal cancer and other cancers. Maintaining a healthy weight, healthy diet and active lifestyle helps prevent cancer and other health problems," he said.

According to information from the hospital, polyps can grow on the colon, and become more frequent with age.

Both men and women, and people of all races are at risk for polyps. African-American men and women are at a greater risk, and some experts recommend screening earlier starting at age 45.

Those at a greater risk include those who are overweight or obese; have type 2 diabetes; smoke; drink alcohol; eat red meat, processed food and smoked foods; and have a personal or family history of polyps or colon-rectal cancer.

Free colon-rectal screening kits will be available at:

--Lehigh Valley Hospital-Hazleton, front desk.

--Health & Wellness Center at Hazleton, front desk.

--Lehigh Valley Physician Group Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, West 14th Street, Hazleton.

--LVHN Cancer Center, Airport Beltway.

--Health Center at Mountain Top (Weis Plaza), front desk.

"Identified early and properly treated, stage 1 colon-rectal cancer has approximately a 90 percent cure rate," said Dr. Michael Evans, with Lehigh Valley's hematology oncology unit.

jwhalen@standardspeaker.com

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