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2017 Colon Cancer Awareness Plano, TX | Arshad Malik, MD

Author: Anonymous posted: Mar. 01, 2017.

“With a projected estimate of 50,000 deaths in the United States caused by colon cancer in 2017, this is something that everyone should be made aware of. While colon cancer is a very serious and real problem, it is highly preventable. The key is to follow the recommended screening guidelines and to spread this cancer awareness to others. I encourage everyone to join my colleagues and I at the Digestive Health Associates of Texas, by helping us spread the word about how colon cancer screening is the preventable option to beating colon cancer!”

Arshad Malik, MD

Colon Cancer – How does it start?

Typically, colon cancer starts as a polyp or a small clump of cells that form on the wall of the colon. A polyp grows on the inner lining of the colon or rectum, which can be cancerous depending on the type of polyp. The three prominent types of polyps are Adenomatous, Hyperplastic and Inflammatory polyps.

  • Adenomatous polyps: These polyps sometimes change into cancer. Because of this, adenomas are called a pre-cancerous condition.
  • Hyperplastic polyps: These polyps are typically benign and do not develop into cancer except in some syndromes where having excessive numbers of hyperplastic polyps raises the risk of colorectal cancer
  • Inflammatory polyps: These polyps are not pre-cancerous.

Anyone can develop polyps, so that is why screening for them is so important. Colon polyps if found in the early stages of development can usually be completely removed.

Colon Cancer Screening Guidelines

The American Cancer Society recommended guidelines for colon cancer screening should begin at age 50 for most people. However, factors such as ethnicity and family history could result in starting this screening at an earlier age. It’s important to discuss this with your doctor and follow their recommendations on when to start this cancer screening. 

Colonoscopy is considered the gold standard for colon cancer screening, since the physician can both screen for polyps and remove them. Other screening exams require a separate procedure to remove polyps. For more information on colonoscopy, I encourage you to visit the colonoscopy page on this website.

If you have questions or would like more information about colon cancer screenings – call my office at 972-867-0019.

2017 Colon Cancer Events in Plano, TX and surrounding areas

National Dress Blue Day

TDDC Colon Cancer Fun Run (Austin)

Get Your Rear in Gear 5k Run/Walk

  • Date: March 25, 2017
  • Location: Trinity Park, pavilion 3 in Fort Worth, TX
  • Event Info: 5k run/walk, kid’s fun run & 13-mile bike ride
  • Food: 2 food trucks will be at the pavilion