Q. When seniors gather, it doesn’t seem to take long before we get to our aches and pains. You must get more than your share of that.

My friend, Pete, has instituted a colonoscopy rule. He insists that if a bunch of us geezers are talking about aches, maladies and visits to the doctors, everyone has to change the subject as soon as someone uses the word colonoscopy. Usually we switch to grandchildren, which is a lot more fun.

But, while we are on the subject of colons ...

Colorectal cancer, which is cancer of the colon or rectum, is the second leading cause of death from cancer in the United States. Early detection of colon cancer is especially important because if it is found in its early stages it can be cured nine out of 10 times.

Who’s at risk? The chances of getting it increase with age. But other risk factors include polyps, your medical history, diet and whether you’ve had ulcerative colitis.

Polyps are benign growths on the inner wall of the colon and rectum. Not all polyps become cancerous, but nearly all colon cancers start as polyps.

Colorectal cancer seems to be particular to certain families. Someone who has already had colorectal cancer may develop the disease a second time. Greater vigilance is a good idea if you or your relatives have had it.

This form of cancer is more likely among people on a diet high in fat, protein, calories, alcohol, and red and white meat. Low-fat, high-fiber diets seem better for the colon.

Ulcerative colitis is a condition in which there is a chronic break in the lining of the colon. Having this condition increases a person’s chance of developing colorectal cancer.

The following are symptoms of colorectal cancer: blood in the stool, diarrhea, constipation, stools that are narrower than usual, frequent gas pains or cramps, unexplained weight loss, unrelieved fatigue and vomiting.

Go to your doctor if you have symptoms. The medical profession has many detection tools. These include: a test to check for hidden blood in the stool; a sigmoidoscope, a lighted instrument for examining the rectum and lower colon; a colonoscope, a lighted instrument to examine the rectum and entire colon; a barium enema with a series of x-rays of the colon and rectum, and a digital rectal exam to feel for abnormal areas.

Two recent studies showed that a colonoscopy can find many pre-cancerous polyps that a sigmoidoscopy misses. Another major advantage of the colonoscopy is that it enables the doctor to remove any polyps found during the procedure.

There is a virtual colonoscopy, a minimally-invasive procedure. Doctors are able to see the entire colon using 3-D computer graphics from a computerized tomography scan, or CT scan.

Known as CT colonography, this exam is an alternative for patients who are at risk of complications from colonoscopy such as patients who are frail.

If a virtual colonoscopy finds significant polyps, they have to be removed by conventional colonoscopy.

Have a question? Email: fred@healthygeezer.com. Order “How To Be A Healthy Geezer,” 218-page compilation of columns: healthygeezer.com

All Rights Reserved &Copy; 2020 Fred Cicetti

The Times News, Inc., and affiliates (Lehigh Valley Press) do not endorse or recommend any medical products, processes, or services or provide medical advice. The views of the columnist and column do not necessarily state or reflect those of the Lehigh Valley Press. The article content is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, or other qualified health-care provider, with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.