Digestive Health Blog

2019 Colon Cancer Awareness Month

2019 Colon Cancer Awareness Month

March is colorectal cancer awareness month… this year’s public awareness campaign is “Don’t Assume”. Its goal “is to challenge assumptions and misconceptions about colorectal cancer by dispelling myths, raising awareness, and connecting people across the country with information and support.”
2019 colon cancer awareness blue ribbon with text saying colon cancer isn't just a 50+ disease
In 2018, the American Cancer Society lowered their recommendation to begin colon cancer screening from 50 to 45 years of age for people of average risk. This change was due to the higher incidence of colon cancer being detected in younger adults. While this updated starting age has not been universally accepted, it does highlight the significance of getting screened.

“If you have questions about the age you should begin getting screened for colon cancer, please discuss this with your doctor. Early detection is the key to beating colon cancer!”
-Matthew Eidem

Colonoscopy Prep Tips

As a gastroenterologist, raising awareness for colon cancer and the recommended screening ages is critical to my practice. This year in addition to raising awareness, I wanted to help dispel the myth that colonoscopy prep is extremely difficult by sharing my prep video.

In the video I explain the importance of doing a good job with the prep and provide a few tips on how to make the colonoscopy prep a little easier. The prep is extremely important to the success of the colonoscopy. A good prep allows your doctor a clear view of the colon walls and a better chance of finding polyps should they exist.

Screening vs Diagnostic Colonoscopy

The cost of a colonoscopy in Plano, TX will vary depending if it is classified as a screening or diagnostic exam. I wanted to explain the difference between these classifications, so that patients understand why colonoscopy can be coded differently.

  • Screening colonoscopy is the classification used for those over the age of 50 with no symptoms (either past or present) and without a personal or family history of gastrointestinal disease, colon polyps, or cancer. Insurance will typically cover the cost of a screening exam once every 10 years beginning at age 50.
  • Diagnostic colonoscopy is the classification used if the patient has prior history of colon polyps or has experienced symptoms like rectal bleeding. Other conditions can dictate this classification, but these are the most common reasons.

My office will be able to clarify any questions you may have regarding the classification of your colonoscopy. Please contact us at 972-867-0019 if you or your insurance provider have any questions.

Open Access Colonoscopy

I offer this option to save patients the time & expense of an office visit for screening colonoscopy exams. My hope is that this time saving option will help to increase colon cancer screening participation rates in the Plano, TX area. Learn more about this option by clicking on the open access colonoscopy page.

open acces colonoscopy button that links to a detailed info page

Colon Cancer Awareness Events DFW 2019

Whether you have a personal connection to colon cancer or want to help raise awareness… the DFW area has some great events that you can participate in. I’ve provided basic information on each event below along with a link to their website.

Get Your Rear in Gear

  • Date: Saturday, March 2, 2019
  • Location: Trinity Park – 2201 W 7th St., Fort Worth, TX
  • Event Info: click here

Colorectal Cancer 5k Walk-A-Thon

  • Date: Saturday, March 9, 2019
  • Location: 1675 Republic Pkwy Mesquite, TX
  • Event Info: click here

Colorectal Cancer Alliance Undy Run/Walk

*The 2018 event was in November, so we would expect late fall for 2019 as well.

National Dress Blue Day

  • Date: Friday, March 1, 2019
  • Event Info: click here
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.