INDIANAPOLIS–Nine out of ten people who develop colorectal cancer in Indiana are age 50 or older. That’s why doctors say you should get a screening of some sort, if you’re 50 or older, if you’re white, or 45 or older, if you’re black.
In Indiana about six out of 10 people who need to be screened are actually getting screened, said the Indiana Cancer Consortium. So, Indiana ranks 43 out of the 50 states for screenings.
“Colorectal cancer is the number two cancer killer in the United States and is one of the most preventable cancers that we know if,” said Dr. Sunanda “Susie” Kane, President of the American College of Gastroenterology, and a doctor at the Mayor Clinic.
Prevention is mostly done with screening, she said.
“To prevent it we do a colonoscopy, which is a procedure that can remove polyps before they have a chance to grow into cancers,” she said.
Audio titled DR KANE COLORECTAL CANCER INTERVIEW by 93WIBC
Kane said African-Americans have a better chance of getting cancer and dying from cancer, and that’s why it’s recommended they get screened earlier.
Since people in Indiana are dealing with chronic medical problems like diabetes and high blood pressure, Kane said it’s important to make time in your doctor visits for colon screenings.
“There are other tests that are non-invasive to screen for colon cancer. It’s important that it be brought up.”
She said the prep and the screenings are covered by Medicare and Medicaid and by most insurances as preventive care.
PHOTO: American Cancer Society
