Colon cancer can be prevented in a huge number of cases … that’s why screening is so important. Guidelines say people should begin screening at age 45 and continue every 10 years. The best and most complete way to screen is with a colonoscopy, but there are other methods. We asked Dr. Heather Yeo, a colorectal surgeon at Weill-Cornell Medical Center, to dispel some common myths about colon cancer and colon cancer screening.
Myth #1: Colonoscopies are the only way to detect colon cancer.
The verdict: Not true. Though colonoscopies are the best way, there are a lot of other methods — like fecal occult blood tests and fecal immunochemical tests (FIT). “The [tests] have different roles and you should talk to a medical provider about what’s best for you, but there are a lot of options,” Dr. Yeo said.
Myth #2: Only people with a family history can get colon cancer.
The verdict: Not true. “In fact, the majority of people who get colon cancer have no family history,” Dr. Yeo says. “The reason I do the specialty is because if we screen patients early, cancers can be prevented. We can have really good survival outcomes.”
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.
Colon cancer can be prevented in a huge number of cases … that’s why screening is so important. Guidelines say people should begin screening at age 45 and continue every 10 years. The best and most complete way to screen is with a colonoscopy, but there are other methods. We asked Dr. Heather Yeo, a colorectal surgeon at Weill-Cornell Medical Center, to dispel some common myths about colon cancer and colon cancer screening.
Myth #1: Colonoscopies are the only way to detect colon cancer.
Read More The verdict: Not true. Though colonoscopies are the best way, there are a lot of other methods — like fecal occult blood tests and fecal immunochemical tests (FIT). “The [tests] have different roles and you should talk to a medical provider about what’s best for you, but there are a lot of options,” Dr. Yeo said.
Myth #2: Only people with a family history can get colon cancer.
The verdict: Not true. “In fact, the majority of people who get colon cancer have no family history,” Dr. Yeo says. “The reason I do the specialty is because if we screen patients early, cancers can be prevented. We can have really good survival outcomes.”
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.
