$Unique_ID{BRK01232}
$Pretitle{Digestive System}
$Title{Exam Schedule for a Family History of Colon Cancer}
$Subject{colon cancer tests}
$Volume{I-12}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Exam Schedule for a Family History of Colon Cancer


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QUESTION:  I am presently 48.  Both my parents has colon cancer, father at age
67 and mother at age 51.  Recently on colonoscopy, two polyps were removed
from my colon, both found to be benign.  My doctor wishes to wait three years
for my next exam, but I read that the American Cancer Society recommends two
successive years with normal findings before waiting for 3 to 5 years.  Do you
think an exam every three years is sufficient for someone with my history?

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ANSWER:  While the American Cancer Society recommendations are valuable
guidelines, each patient must be viewed as an individual, with medical care
organized and given to meet with their special needs.  The discovery of the
polyps, to my way of thinking, is sufficient reason for you to have an
examination on a yearly basis until you have a negative result for two years
in a row, then three years between examination seems reasonable.  Your family
history is strong indication to follow this schedule.  Another precaution you
might wish to perform on your own is a yearly stool examination for blood,
using one of the many home kits now on the market.  Though not always 100
percent accurate they are sufficiently so to serve as a valuable resource for
you, in between your yearly scoping.  Your local office of the American Cancer
Society can provide you with the written guidelines to show your present
physician.  If that doesn't help convince him, there are plenty of others who
do believe that timely examinations are necessary.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
