Ashtabula County Medical Center | ACMC Pulse | Winter 2018

10 ACMC Pulse  • acmchealth.org COLONOSCOPY Don’t skip this screening David Weinerman, MD David Novak, MD + + Familial polyposis (an inherited disorder character- ized by cancer of the large intestine and rectum). + + Personal or family history of adenomatous polyps (a type of polyp which is pre-malignant). + + Family history of colorectal cancer. + + Inflammatory bowel disease (such as colitis or Crohn’s disease). + + Obesity. + + Cigarette smoking. + + Alcohol use. Wellness ACMC AND OUR CAREGIVERS are here when patients are ill and need us. But we’re also here to be an advocate for your health. One way we’re advocating for patients is by proactively prompting them when a screening is due. The first initiative of this kind focuses on colon cancer risk. When caught early, most colon cancer can be cured—and regular screenings can prevent cancer from developing in the first place. Colonoscopies are essential ACMC has a pilot project with patients of Emily Cheich, DO, ACMC’s family practice physician at the Geneva Family Health Center. Dr. Cheich’s patients who are age 50 and over and haven’t had a colonoscopy are receiving a letter that explains the importance of having a colonoscopy and encourages them to schedule one. Also included is a colonoscopy fact sheet that explains the procedure and what to expect. “Once a person reaches age 50, he or she should have a colonoscopy,” said David Weinerman, MD, ACMC Gastroenterologist. “If the results of that procedure are normal, then a patient may wait 10 years for the next colonoscopy. If polyps are discovered and removed, a physician may recommend a more frequent schedule for a colonoscopy.” How a colonoscopy works A colonoscopy is done using a thin flexible tube, called a colonoscope . A light, camera and tool to remove polyps or collect cells are attached to the colonoscope. Before the procedure begins, patients are given medication to relax them and put them into a light sleep. Most patients don’t even remember having the procedure. David Novak, MD, ACMC Gastroenterologist, said people may wait to have a colonoscopy because they fear the procedure or the preparation the day before to completely clean out the colon. “No one will ever say the bowel Risk factors for colorectal cancer include: prep is fun,” he said. “But it is a small inconvenience that could help you prevent colon cancer.” GET SCREENED To schedule your colonoscopy, call 440-998-0322 .