Colorectal diseases affect the lives of millions of Americans. In March, health care professionals nationwide work to promote awareness through the observance of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month of the importance of colon screening to help prevent this common disease.

Cancer of the colon and rectum is the second leading cause of death due to cancer in the United States for men and women. This year, more than 147,500 new cases will be diagnosed in the United States — 4,500 new cases will be diagnosed in New Jersey alone — and more than 57,100 are expected to die from this disease in 2003. However, it is a highly preventable and curable disease if caught early, and an estimated 40,000 lives could be saved annually if men and women underwent colorectal screening at an appropriate age.

That is why, as a colorectal surgeon, I am actively participating in Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and taking this much-needed opportunity to encourage people to learn how to reduce their risk of the disease and undergo a screening test. I am being joined in this effort by my colleagues across the country as members of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, the leading professional society of colorectal surgeons.

It has been shown a low-fat diet high in vegetables and fruits, coupled with regular exercise, can significantly reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer. And, regular screening of average-risk men and women starting at age 50 can help prevent the disease by detecting and removing precancerous polyps, as well as detecting colorectal cancer in the earliest, most curable stages.

But, despite the widespread availability of highly effective screening tests, colorectal cancer screening still lags far behind screening for cancers such as breast (mammography), cervical (Pap smear), and prostate (PSA test).

In its early stage, colon cancer usually produces no symptoms. Many men and women are often unaware that once they turn 50, they should be screened. Men and women who have a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or polyps or a personal history of long-term inflammatory bowel disease may need to be screened before age 50, as well as women with a personal or family history of ovarian, endometrial or breast cancer.

Colorectal cancer screening costs are covered by Medicare and most commercial health plans. For those at risk of developing colorectal cancer, I would advise an appointment with your health care provider to discuss which of the available procedures is best for you and how often the screening should take place.

Colonoscopy is a visual examination of the entire colon and rectum and is normally performed on an outpatient basis. If precancerous polyps are found, they can be removed during this procedures. The exam may be uncomfortable, but it is usually not painful and is well tolerated by most patients.

And another promising new way to visual the colon and rectum is virtual colonoscopy. This new procedure utilizes a CT scan to detect polyps after a bowel preparation has been completed. While it is not quite as accurate as a full colonoscopy — and if polyps are found, a colonoscopy must still be performed to remove them — it is another important tool in the fight against colon cancer.

Remember, an ounce of prevention and a few moments of discomfort are worth the peace of mind you will have knowing you have increased the likelihood you will lead a long and healthy life free from the development of colorectal cancer.

Michael Arvanitis, M.D.

Monmouth Medical Center

Long Branch