Digestive Health Blog

2017 Colon Cancer Awareness

2017 Colon Cancer Awareness

The American Cancer Society reports that 1 in 3 people in the U.S. are not up-to-date with their colorectal cancer screening and that 60% of colorectal cancer deaths could be prevented with screening.  I encourage everyone to join my team and colleagues at the Digestive Health Associates of Texas in helping to promote Colon Cancer Awareness this March. These statistics emphasize why creating more awareness for this type of cancer can SAVE LIVES!

Matthew Eidem, MD

2017 Colon Cancer Screening Guidelines

Important preventative health maintenance roles like colon cancer screening should be discussed with your doctor to ensure that you are aware of the current recommendations. The American College of Gastroenterology guidelines for colon cancer screening are that you should begin at age 50 for most people and repeat the screening every 10-years. However, factors such as ethnicity and family history could result in starting this screening at an earlier age. If polyps are found during a screening colonoscopy, the frequency between exams will be shortened.

If you have questions or would like more information about colon cancer screenings – call my office at 972-867-0019. 

Is Colonoscopy the best Colon Cancer Screening Exam?

Colonoscopy is the “gold standard” for colon cancer screening procedures because it is the only screening exam that allows the physician to both detect and remove colon polyps. With other colon cancer screening tests/procedures, the patient must schedule a separate procedure should polyps be found.

While colonoscopy does have several stigmas attached to it, it is actually a rather benign experience. Although the preparation the night before the exam is not fun, it has gotten better over recent years.  My office has a few tips to help make the experience even more tolerable.  The patient is kept comfortable and sleeping during the entire exam and does not have pain or discomfort.  Most patients undergoing a colonoscopy for the first time are surprised by how smoothly and easily the procedure goes. We cannot let any “unpleasant” stigma negatively affect screening participation rates because we know that colon cancer screening saves lives!

To learn more about Colonoscopy, I encourage you to visit this page on my website.

2017 Colon Cancer Awareness Events in Plano, TX and area

National Dress Blue Day

TDDC Colon Cancer Fun Run (Austin)

Get Your Rear in Gear 5k Run/Walk

  • Date: March 25, 2017
  • Location: Trinity Park, pavilion 3 in Fort Worth, TX
  • Event Info: 5k run/walk, kid’s fun run & 13-mile bike ride
  • Food: 2 food trucks will be at the pavilion

Colon cancer screening saves lives!  In March every year, we take the opportunity to promote colon cancer awareness month and bring even more attention to this deadly but preventable cancer.   Please join me in reminding your friends and family about the importance of colon cancer screening so that even more colon cancers can be prevented and ever more lives can be saved.

Matthew Eidem, MD
Matthew Eidem, MD
Gastroenterologist at Matthew Eidem, MD
Matthew Eidem, MD is a gastroenterologist in Plano, TX practicing since 2007. He is a member of the Digestive Health Associates of Texas (DHAT) medical group and serves on the executive committee for DHAT. He has a special focus on colon cancer awareness along with IBS symptoms and treatment options. Dr. Eidem received his medical degree from the University of Minnesota Medical School in 2000 and completed his Fellowship in Gastroenterology & Hepatology at the University of Texas Health Science Center in 2007. Distinguished honors include Best Doctor in Dallas award, Patient's Choice Award, Chief Resident and Intern of the Year at UT Health Science Center. His gastroenterology clinic is located at 3242 Preston Road, Suite 200, Plano, TX 75093.