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