Above: Toby Cober with one of his kitty dolls.
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Colon Cancer Screening
Colon Cancer Screening
Colon cancer screening over the years has become more aggressive in the United States because unfortunately the incidence of colon cancer is rising. We believe it may be due to dietary and environmental effects. The medical community now recommends initiating colon cancer screening in average-risk patients at the age of 45. Options for screening including colonoscopy (the gold-standard, as it can remove polyps at the time of procedure), and Cologuard (a non-invasive stool test). Dr. Cober provides both of these options and can tailor your screening based on your situation.
Q&A with Dr. Cober
Are colonoscopies very uncomfortable?
These days, they are generally very comfortable because most patients are under light anesthesia. When I was in training, I remember some patients would opt for awake colonoscopies, but these were usually tough WWII vets!
Do I have to fast the whole day before the colonoscopy?
No! Studies have shown better tolerability when patients focus their laxative prep the evening before the procedure. In general I have patients eat a regular low-fiber diet for breakfast and lunch the day before the procedure. And then starting in the afternoon patients go on liquids and do the laxatives the evening before the procedure.
Are there any alternatives to colonoscopies?
Yes! Cologuard appears to be a fairly safe and reliable stool test.
Is colon cancer screening really necessary?
As much as I am a medical minimalist and prefer doing things "the natural way," I really do believe in colon cancer screening. Having done many operations for colon cancer, I have seen first-hand the rise in younger folks getting advanced colon cancer and strongly believe prevention and early treatment is the best course. I am hoping that one day colon cancer rates will drop and perhaps screening will be unnecessary for most people, but sadly that is not the present time.
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