- With Mayo Clinic nurse educator
Sheryl M. Ness, R.N.
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Sheryl M. Ness, R.N.
Sheryl M. Ness
Sheryl Ness, R.N., O.C.N., is a nurse educator for the Cancer Education Program at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. She helps inform patients, families and caregivers about services and resources to help them through the cancer journey.
She has a master's degree in nursing from Augsburg College. In addition, she is an assistant professor of oncology at the College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, and is certified as a specialist in oncology nursing. Sheryl has worked for more than 20 years at Mayo Clinic as an educator. She has a keen interest in the importance of the quality of life and concerns of people living with cancer.
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Living with cancer blog
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March 2, 2013
Colon cancer awareness first step toward prevention
By Sheryl M. Ness, R.N.
Men and women alike can get colon cancer, however, people at a higher risk for developing colon cancer include those with a history of inflammatory bowel disease (including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease) and those with a family history of colon cancer.
The two most common inherited syndromes linked with colorectal cancers are familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), also known as Lynch Syndrome. FAP is caused by mutations in the APC gene that you inherit from your parents.
Women with HNPCC have a high risk of also developing cancer of the endometrium (lining of the uterus). Other cancers linked with HNPCC include cancer of the ovary, stomach, small bowel, pancreas, kidney, brain, ureters (tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder), and bile duct.
Colon cancer can be prevented with screening and removal of any polyps before they develop into cancer. Normally, screening should begin at age 50. However, if you have a higher risk or a family history you may need to be screened at a younger age.
Screening methods include stool tests to check for blood (fecal occult blood test), sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, double-contrast barium enema, and CT colonography (or virtual colonoscopy).
A newer screening method, stool DNA (sDNA) testing, awaits FDA approval. It identifies abnormal changes (markers) in the cells that are shed by the lining of the colon. That in turn can lead to early detection of polyps and colon cancer.
Research has shown that this noninvasive test accurately detects both colon cancer (at early stages) and precancerous polyps.
Look for updates on the new sDNA test and read more about it on mayoclinic.com. Work with your health care provider to find out what your personal risk is and how often you should be screened. Have you had your colon cancer screening test?
Follow me on Twitter at @SherylNess1. Join the discussion at #livingwithcancer.
8 comments posted
March 27, 2013 11:03 a.m.
This comment is for Harriet - I am not certain about the connection of familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and Barrett Esophagus. You may want to consider seeing a genetic specialist to evaluate your family history and personal risk. They will be able to assist you as you explore this question.
- Sheryl Ness
March 27, 2013 10:55 a.m.
Linda, I would say that you still need to screen for colon cancer with a colonoscopy even though you are having CT scans as a follow-up to your ovarian cancer. Check in with your oncologist or primary care with the specific question. Screening methods are different for each cancer type. I am glad that you are asking about this, it's important.
- Sheryl Ness
March 22, 2013 9:12 p.m.
My husband was diagnosed with Colon Cancer and had surgery and follow up chemo in 2001. He went to every follow up and celebrated after 5 years clear. 11 years later he was diagnosed with Colon Cancer that had metastisized to his liver and there is treatment but no cure. What did we do wrong? Should EVERY person in this situation have a CT Scan to follow up instead of going to colonoscopys every 3months, 6 months, yearly, etc etc? He has no cancer in his colon. He has treatment every 2 weeks and is managing very well in spite of everything but again - no cure. They are unable to operate and do not feel they will get much more in the way of shrinkage. Are there any further steps that he can take?
- Jan
March 21, 2013 6:24 a.m.
I cannot get a firm answer on this question....after treatment 3 1/2 years ago for stage IV ovarian cancer, I am approaching the time for a ct scan (abdomen & pelvic area). Do I still need a colonoscopy?
- Linda
March 10, 2013 11:05 a.m.
Grandfather died of Colon Cancer. Ignored signs and in 2004 major surgery: colon,rectum, appendix, gall bladder,colostomy..agreesive chemo (pump 24/7) prior and post surgery chemo for nine months...huge hernia developed around stoma requiring 2013 Surgery...I'm a lucky one...would have done better if I paid attention and stopped being a typical male patient....
- Mark
March 7, 2013 4:56 p.m.
Had colon cancer last year (my Dad also had it) so I assume I inherited the gene from him. Going tomorrow for one-year check-up colonoscopy and hope all goes well. The surgery was successful - no follow-up treatment and the oncologist has been following me every four months. As of now, I've been very lucky.
- Linda
March 7, 2013 1:26 p.m.
Having lived with Tuberous Sclerosis for over 60 years (a benign cancer)and on the brain for 10 years. I was diagnosed with Islet Cell Cancer of the pancreas in 2009 and declined my Oncologists request for surgery in lieu of chemo and radiation. My Primary wanted another Colonoscopy from 8 years ago that was fine, but I declined--I have cancer in me what more could they possibly find except other cancer--one's enough.
- Kay
March 3, 2013 9:02 a.m.
recently I was diagnosed with diverticulitis, mild coloitis and had an adenomatous polyposis and had this polyp removed. Also was diagnosed with some ulceration of the colon. From my paternal family I have inherited esphogeal Barrets Syndrome and wondered does one have anything to do with the other?
- Harriet
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