Page 65 - South Mississippi Living - March, 2016

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Bernheim, like many doctors, is pushing for more screenings, as it is estimated
by the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable that about 23 million people who are recommended are not getting screened. In answer to the problem, the Roundtable is pushing a campaign called Eighty by 2018, attempting to get 80 percent of people at risk screened by 2018.
When it comes to screening, Bernheim said, “The colonoscopy is the gold standard. It has the highest sensitivity to pick up cancer or precancerous lesions. It also has the double benefit of being able to remove precancerous lesions.”
While there are other blood and stool tests available, as well as virtual scopes, the colonoscopy is the only test that can both detect and remove dangerous polyps that become cancer, making it the best preventative tool. “If you are not going to get a colonoscopy because of the expense or you are scared of the prevention, then talk to your doctor about other screening options,” Bernheim said. “Something is better than nothing at all.”
When choosing a doctor, a patient should ask questions. First, always ask a doctor’s credentials. Second, inquire
about the doctor’s adenoma detection
rate (ADR), which details the rate a doctor finds polyps, making it a mark of a quality colonoscopy.
“People will get pap smears and mammograms to detect early signs
of cancer,” Wall said. “Regular colonoscopies will similarly detect and follow worrisome symptoms of colon cancer.”
She also stresses the importance of healthy habits. Quitting smoking, exercising daily, and eating a high fiber diet all contribute to the reduction of risk factors.
As for Steve Johnson, chemotherapy and radiation have shrunk his tumor. Now,
he is doing his part to raise awareness
for early colorectal screenings. He’s been actively sharing his story on social media using #scubastrong, in hopes that it helps others get screened so that the disease can be caught as early as possible.
The colonoscopy
is the gold standard. It has the highest sensitivity
to pick up cancer or precancerous lesions.
Peter J. Bernheim, M.D. Gastroenterology
The Colon Cancer Alliance has declared
March 4, 2016, to be “Dress in Blue Day”
to raise awareness for cancer screenings
and to remember those who have been
lost to the disease. For more information,
visit www.ccalliance.org. Center
FOR MORE REFLECTIONS OF THE GULF COAST >> www.smliving.net March 2016 • SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living 65
Peter J. Bernheim, M.D.
Gastroenterology Center
4500 West Railroad St., Gulfport 228.863.8836
1720-A Medical Park Dr., Suite 240, Biloxi 228.396.5100
www.Gastrocenter.net
Allison Wall, M.D.
Memorial Cancer Center, Memorial Hospital at Gulfport 1340 Broad Ave., #270, Gulfport 228.575.1234