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Get Movin’! Run a 5K for Colon Cancer Awareness

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Colorectal cancer touches the lives of countless people each year. Maybe you’ve been personally affected, or perhaps you have a family member or friend with the disease.

March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month, and what better time to get movin’ than to join a 5K charity race. All across the U.S. you will find races hosted by national and local charities with the aim to support colon cancer patients and survivors, raise funds for screening, research, and awareness projects, and provide funds to fight and treat the disease. Your participation not only benefits these charitable organizations, but it will also enhance your own physical fitness.

Running and walking both offer significant health benefits from the physical to the mental and emotional. Both forms of exercise have been shown to reduce the risk of breast and colon cancers, heart disease, and diabetes, lower blood pressure, regulate blood sugar levels, and release endorphins to improve mood and alleviate stress. While running does burn more calories and work the cardiovascular system more than walking, both strengthen the body and improve overall health. A win-win!

Whether you choose to walk or run, here are some tips to finding and getting involved in a 5K race near you.

Find a 5K race. National and local charities host annual 5K runs. Do a quick Google search or use Active.com, and type in “5K” and “colon cancer” in the search engine to find a race near you. Here are a few of the more popular 5K races in the U.S.:

Get a partner or organize a team. Find like-minded individuals to commit to running or walking with you and sign up.

Start training. If you want to run but have never run a 5K before, I highly recommend the Couch to 5K running program. You run 3 days a week for 20-30 minutes, and in 9 weeks, you’re ready to run 3.1 miles at a decent pace. If you plan to walk, you will still want to be physically fit to walk the entire distance. Set aside time each week to exercise, so you are able to finish the race.

Get out there on race day, and do your best!

Even if you don’t win first place, your participation will impact lives, including your own. Remember the real reason why you’re running: to give back to your community and help spread awareness about colorectal cancer. Get your body movin’ and find a 5K race today!

Find a Gastroenterologist to Schedule a Colonoscopy

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A colonoscopy is your most powerful defense against colon cancer. It is the most comprehensive colon screening test available because it allows your doctor to examine colon for polyps, ulcers, tumors or lesions. If polyps or abnormalities are found during the examination, your doctor can remove them immediately.

It is estimated that between 60 and 90 percent of cancer deaths could be avoided if all Americans over the age of 50 got a colonoscopy. Most cancer screenings only detect the presence of cancer, but colonoscopies actually prevent you from getting colon cancer by removing precancerous polyps. For this reason, the colonoscopy is considered the gold standard for colon screening.

Most adults who are at average risk for colon cancer are eligible for a colonoscopy at age 50. Maybe you are eligible for a colonoscopy this year, but you have some uncertainties about the exam. You may not know how to go about scheduling a colonoscopy or who to call. There is no need to worry, though. Sometimes, you just need a step in the right direction.

Stop Colon Cancer Now partners with physicians and surgery centers nationwide, and they are available to answer your questions. Each of our gastroenterologists are board-certified, and all of our centers are accredited. This means you can rest assured that you’ll receive a quality colonoscopy from a professional, compassionate medical team.

We have created a simple Find a Center tab that will connect you to a licensed gastroenterologist and accredited center in just a few clicks of the mouse. Click on your state, and you will have immediate access to our partner centers in your area. There is even a Schedule an Appointment button where you can enter your information and you don’t even need to pick up the phone.

Take a stand against colon cancer during Colon Cancer Awareness Month. When you schedule a colonoscopy, you are making a commitment to lifelong colon health and overall wellness!

What is the Best Diet in Preparation for My Colonoscopy?

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Compared to other preventative screenings, colonoscopies require extra time and preparation. Think about it: you don’t have to do anything to prepare for a vision screening, mammogram or prostate cancer screening. You simply show up for your appointment and no preparation is required. Colonoscopies are unique because you must completely empty the bowel to give your doctor a clear view of your colon. A clean colon gives your doctor the best opportunity to find and remove precancerous polyps.

Modify your diet a few days before the colonoscopy

Colonoscopy preparation actually begins several days before the procedure. Everyone is familiar with the clear liquid diet on the day before the colonoscopy, but your doctor may suggest a low-fiber diet about three to five days before your colonoscopy. It includes dairy, refined carbohydrates, fats, lean meats, and fruits and vegetables without peels. Eliminating high-fiber foods a few days prior will minimize the production of waste, make the purgative process easier and result in a higher quality colonoscopy.

Here are some examples of foods that you can eat on the days leading up to your colonoscopy:

  • Milk, cheese, yogurt, sour cream
  • White rice, white bread, refined pasta, refined crackers, breakfast cereals
  • Applesauce, canned vegetables, fruits without seeds or skin
  • Chicken, pork, seafood
  • Salad dressing, butter, ice cream, pudding

Your doctor will give you a comprehensive list of permissible foods at your consultation appointment.

Consume clear liquids on the day before the colonoscopy

On the day before the colonoscopy, you will be drinking the purgative colonoscopy preparation solution to clear your bowel. You can also consume clear liquids that day such as juices, soft drinks, black coffee, plain tea, strained broths, and Jell-O and popsicles (no red or purple).  On the day of your procedure, your doctor may restrict you to water only.

Diet modifications are only temporary

No one looks forward to colonoscopy preparation, but try to remind yourself that it is only for a short time. You may actually find yourself looking forward to abandoning your high-fiber/low-fat diet for a few days and indulging in some creamy desserts and your favorite childhood breakfast cereal. Don’t get too comfortable, though. You’ll need to go back to whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables and limited fats after your colonoscopy, but you might as well enjoy a few extra treats while you can!

What to Eat (& not Eat) for a Healthier Colon

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Do you know someone affected by colon cancer? Have you yourself been personally touched by it? Each year 150,000 people will be diagnosed with and 50,000 will die from this disease. Most of us know someone who has or has had colon cancer. While genetics may play a role, a healthy lifestyle “could prevent up to 70 to 90 percent of colorectal cancers” (Source: Everyday Health).

Unlike family history, diet is something we can all control. March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month. Let’s be more conscious of what we’re eating (and not eating) this month, and try to add (or eliminate) foods to improve our colon health. Below are some healthy eating tips. At the end of this post, you will find the link to a meal plan including 31 colon-healthy meals.

What to Eat

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  • Fill 2/3 of the plate with vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, and nuts.
  • Eat more fiber. Aim for 14 grams of fiber per 1,000 calories in your diet. Good sources include whole grains (brown rice, oats, couscous, quinoa, whole wheat breads, and pastas); vegetables, especially broccoli, sweet potatoes, and carrots; fruits like avocado, apples, and pears; nuts; and beans (black, pintos).
  • Eat more garlic.
  • Eat omega-3 fatty acids found in wild salmon, milled flaxseed, walnuts, and plant-based oils like olive and sunflower oil.
  • Eat fresh roasted chicken breast, hummus, or peanut butter.
  • Eat at least 5 daily servings of vegetables–especially colorful ones like cabbage, kale, and broccoli plus cauliflower.
  • Try to eat yellow and orange vegetables like carrots, peppers, pumpkin, squash, and sweet potatoes every day.

What to Cut Out

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  • Fill no more than 1/3 of your plate with poultry or lean red meat.
  • Cut back on red meats and processed foods like hot dogs, bacon, salami, and deli meats. The high saturated fat content has been linked to colon cancer.
  • Avoid charred or blackened meats.
  • No prepackaged foods like frozen TV dinners and boxed meals that are full of sodium, fat, preservatives, and additives.
  • Limit refined sugars found in cakes, cookies, pies, and sodas.

If you are in need of some meal ideas to improve colon health, check out the March Meal Plan where you will find 31 recipes featuring these colon-friendly foods.

March Meal Plan

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For these and over 1,600 recipes, follow my Colon-Healthy Recipes board on Pinterest.

Do something good for yourself this month. Assess your diet, and see where you need to make some changes to transform your colon health.

Drinking Coffee on an Empty Stomach Could Have Negative Health Consequences

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A new study published in JAMA Oncology suggests drinking coffee could extend survival time in patients with colorectal cancer.

Colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in the United States. The lifetime risk of developing colon cancer is about one in 20 or four or five percent. In 2020, the American Cancer Society predicts that there will be 104,610 new colon cancer cases and 43,340 new cases of rectal cancer.

Coffee and Colon Cancer

Researchers at Harvard-affiliated Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found drinking a few cups of coffee per day was associated with increased survival in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (colon cancer that spreads to other parts of the body). The study also associated coffee drinking with a decreased risk of cancer worsening.

Caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee produced similar results, and patients who drank more than four cups of coffee per day experienced more significant benefits.

While the study establishes an association between coffee and reduced risk of colon cancer spreading and colon cancer death, it is not a cause-and-effect relationship. The good news is that drinking coffee is not detrimental to colon health.

Kimmie Ng, the senior author of the study, said, “Although it is premature to recommend a high intake of coffee as a potential treatment for colorectal cancer, our study suggests that drinking coffee is not harmful and may potentially be beneficial.”

Diet and Colon Cancer Risk

What role does diet play in colon cancer? Heredity is only responsible for ten percent of colon cancers. This means that the majority of colon cancers develop from environmental facts and unhealthy habits. Diet plays a crucial role in colon cancer risk. Some foods associated with colon cancer risk include refined grains, sweetened beverages, and red and processed meats. These foods tend to trigger inflammation.

Foods like whole grains and dark, leafy green vegetables score low on the inflammatory scale and are not associated with colon cancer risk (Harvard Health Publishing).

Colonoscopy Exams Prevent Colon Cancer

Besides eating a healthy diet and exercising daily, you can prevent colon cancer by scheduling a colonoscopy. A colonoscopy is the only colon cancer screening that detects and prevents colon cancer. During the exam, your gastroenterologist will examine the entire colon for precancerous polyps and remove them before they become cancerous. No other colon screening offers the diagnostic and therapeutic benefits of a colonoscopy.

The American Cancer Society recommends all adults who are at average risk for colon cancer begin screening at age 45. Individuals with a family history of the disease or who exhibit certain risk factors may need to get screened earlier. Talk to your doctor about when you should get your first colonoscopy. One test could save your life.

Early Signs of Colon Cancer

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For many people, being diagnosed with colon cancer can come as a great shock. Colon cancer patients often claim to feel completely normal at time of diagnosis, so being presented with the knowledge that they have cancer is unsettling to say the least. Colon cancer can develop painlessly and without symptoms. This is not the case with everyone, however.  Here are some of the most common symptoms of colon cancer.

Bleeding

Tumors are often associated with bleeding because, at the beginning stages of growth, their blood vessels are fragile. As a tumor develops, it becomes more invasive and may grow into a nearby blood vessel and cause bleeding. A cancerous polyp may bleed only a small amount of blood that is not even visible to the eye. As the polyp grows into a tumor, there may be evidence of blood in the stool or rectal bleeding.

Anemia

Anemia is a shortage of red blood cells, the cells that carry oxygen to all areas of the body. An intestinal bleed can cause anemia, with side effects of tiredness and sluggishness. Because the lethargy is associated with a lack of oxygenated red blood cells and not a lack of sleep, additional rest will not help. Severe anemia can cause light-headedness and even fainting.

Abdominal pain or cramping

As the colon tumor grows, it can create an obstruction in the bowel. If the tumor grows large enough to make a blockage, it can also cause nausea and vomiting.

Change in bowel habits

If the tumor is creating an obstruction in the bowel, there may be a change in the appearance or frequency of the stool. Colon cancer is often associated with thin, pencil-like stools and with bouts of constipation or diarrhea. The stool can also appear black or tarry, due to the internal bleeding from the growth (Source: Patient).

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, call your doctor and make an appointment. Colon cancer is highly treatable when diagnosed in the early stages, and it is preventable with regular colonoscopies. Knowing the symptoms of colon cancer and scheduling routine screenings is the best defense against colon cancer.

What is the Difference Between Screening and Diagnostic Colonoscopy?

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Before you have your colonoscopy, it is important to call your insurance company about your benefits. There are two types of colonoscopies: screening and diagnostic. Most insurance companies will cover screening colonoscopies, but most diagnostic colonoscopies will be subject to deductibles and co-insurance.

Insurance providers have very specific criteria for both types of colonoscopies, so it is advantageous for you to call Member Services to inquire about your benefits and out-of-pocket estimates for your screening or diagnostic colonoscopy. Here are some factors that influence whether your procedure will be billed to your insurance company as a screening colonoscopy or a diagnostic colonoscopy:

Screening Colonoscopy Criteria:

  • No family history of colon cancer or colon polyps (some insurance providers consider this high risk for colon cancer)
  • No personal history of colon cancer or polyps
  • No symptoms before the procedure (abdominal cramping, blood in the stool, weight loss, anemia, vomiting)

Diagnostic Colonoscopy Criteria

  • Family history of colon cancer or polyps (some insurance providers consider this high risk for colon cancer)
  • Personal history of colon cancer or polyps
  • Symptoms are present before the procedure (abdominal cramping, blood in the stool, weight loss, anemia, vomiting)
  • Previous colonoscopy(ies) had findings of polyps, colon cancer, diverticulitis, etc)

When you are on the phone with your insurance company, you should also verify that your preferred gastroenterologist and facility are both in-network to keep the cost down. It is important to remember that these are just guidelines, and benefits may vary. Get the facts before you go in for your colonoscopy. Asking the right questions will help you be prepared and confident on the day of your procedure. Make sure to read our article, Questions to Ask Your Insurance Provider to Determine Your Colonoscopy Cost.

The Dangers of Food Additives & How to Avoid Them

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According to a recent article in Medical News Today, certain food additives found in processed foods may be responsible for the rise in colorectal cancer rates in the mid-twentieth century. Dietary emulsifiers are the prime culprit. These “detergent-like molecules [are] added to modern processed food” to create a smooth texture that is pleasing to the palate. While they may seem harmless, according to researchers at the Institute for Biomedical Sciences at Georgia State University, these additives actually alter microbes in the gut, creating “an environment favorable for the development of cancer.”

Our bodies have built-in defenses against harmful bacteria, but chemically-created food additives are wreaking havoc. Normally, its mucus covering protects the intestines from the invasion of bad bacteria, but emulsifiers actually appear to carry harmful bacteria across the cells lining the intestines, changing the gut environment. When these changes in the gut microbiota are severe, inflammation can result. That inflammation can lead to Irritable Bowel Disorder (IBD) and even colorectal cancer.

The most common food additives linked to inflammation are polysorbate-80 and carboxymethylcellulose, both emulsifiers. Polysorbate-80, also known as Tween 80, is a yellow-colored liquid found in foods, cosmetics, vitamins, vaccines, and medicines. It makes products look and taste creamier, bulks foods up, and acts as a binder for ice creams and puddings. Additionally, polysorbate-80 helps dissolve ingredients so they can more easily blend together (Source: The Good Human). Look for polysorbate-80 in chewing gum, ice cream, gelatin, and shortening.

Carboxymethylcellulose, also known as cellulose gum or CMC, is used in foods as a thickener and to stabilize emulsions as well as a source of fiber because it is not absorbed (Source: Be Food Smart). It’s also used in nonfood products such as detergents, artificial tears, toothpaste, and laxatives. But don’t be fooled! CMC is not a natural fiber source, and it does not provide the same health benefits as the fiber found in legumes, grains, fruits, and vegetables. Look for CMC in ice cream, salad dressings, cheese, gelatin, infant formula, and candy.

You should try to avoid all food additives but especially polysorbate-80 and carboxymethylcellulose as these have been linked to colon cancer.

What can you do?

  1. Shop and eat organic. According to the USDA’s National Organic Program, synthetic additives like polysorbate-80 and carboxymethylcellulose are not allowed in organic foods. Therefore, an easy option is to simply buy organic.
  2. Read food labels. Buying all organic foods can be very expensive. A more frugal and prudent option is to check the ingredients listed on the products you buy. Steer clear of anything with polysorbate-80 or carboxymethylcellulose. Choose foods containing natural preservatives like ascorbic acid, citric acid, vinegar, salt, and sugar. It’s a good rule of thumb to avoid any foods containing ingredients you are unable to read.
  3. Avoid all food additives including artificial flavorings, textures, and colors. Again, you must read your food labels or buy organic.
  4. Cook and eat fresh, whole foods.
  5. Promote a healthy gut and eliminate bad bacteria by doing the following: (1) regularly taking probiotics; (2) lowering stress; (3) eating fermented foods like saurkraut, kefir, yogurt, and kombucha; (4) limiting refined sugar; and (5) regularly consuming bone broth.

Food additives are everywhere, but unless you’re actively looking for them, you may not realize how common they are. Polysorbate-80 and carboxymethylcellulose are two such additives that have recently been linked to alterations in gut bacteria and even colon cancer. Be proactive with your colon health by buying organic, reading food labels and making good health-conscious choices, eating whole foods, and promoting a healthy gut.

Hey Doc, What’s Your ADR?

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When you go to your gastroenterologist for your first colonoscopy, you probably assume that he or she will be asking all the questions and that you will provide the answers. You can safely assume that your gastroenterologist will ask questions regarding your diet, level of physical activity, family history, and whether you are experiencing any symptoms related to your GI health. But there are some important questions that you should ask your gastroenterologist as well.

The #1 Question is…

The most important question that you should ask your gastroenterologist is, “What is your adenoma detection rate (>ADR)?” Adenomas are precancerous polyps that your physician will identify and remove during your colonoscopy. ADR is the proportion of individuals undergoing a complete screening colonoscopy who have one or more adenomas, or polyps, detected. Your gastroenterologist’s ADR will differ between men and women, so look for an ADR of at least 25 percent for male patients and 15 percent for female patients. Remember, the purpose of scheduling a screening colonoscopy is to prevent colon cancer, so you want a physician with a high adenoma detection rate. This means that he or she is locating and removing precancerous polyps from a higher percentage of patients.

Don’t Be Shy in Asking

You may feel like you are being too bold in asking for numbers and percentages from your gastroenterologist, but asking about ADR is extremely common and even necessary. ADR is a quality measure that distinguishes the best gastroenterologists in the profession, so your physician should be proud to share his or her ADR. You also should inquire about average withdrawal time. This refers to the amount of time that it takes for your gastroenterologist to remove the colonoscope after reaching the beginning of the colon called the cecum. High ADRs are usually associated with a longer withdrawal time, so look for a withdrawal time of at least six minutes.

Polyps that are left in the colon will grow and can develop into colon cancer. ADR and withdrawal time are two quality measures that should matter to you in ensuring that your physician views and removes precancerous polyps and lesions. You can do your part by reading and following the bowel preparation instructions to the letter so your colon is completely empty for the colonoscopy. A high ADR, longer withdrawal time and a complete bowel flush are the three most important components for a quality colon screening (Source: Advocate Health Care E-News).

Adenoma Detection Rate Coincides with Colonoscopy Prep

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Good colon health is a two-way street that requires a committed partnership between you and your gastroenterologist. A patient’s responsibility prior to a colonoscopy is to thoroughly empty the bowel to create maximum visibility for the GI doctor to view any abnormalities in the colon. The doctor’s responsibility is to carefully examine the entire length of the colon and remove lesions or colon polyps that could become cancerous.

Dr. Paul Brown of Louisville Endoscopy Center has performed thousands of colonoscopies. Dr. Brown is the Medical Director of Louisville Gastroenterology Associates, specializing in internal medicine and gastroenterology. Dr. Brown explains the patient-physician partnership that is required to achieve a quality colonoscopy.

Of all the possible methods to screen the colon for colon cancer, why is a colonoscopy the preferred method?

A colonoscopy is considered the gold standard for colon cancer screening because it prevents colon cancer through the detection and removal of precancerous adenomatous polyps. This procedure allows the gastroenterologist to view the entire length of the colon to evaluate the health of your digestive tract.

The gastroenterologist inserts a long, flexible tube called a colonoscope  into the rectum with a camera attached to detect abnormalities. If any colon polyps are discovered during the procedure, the doctor can remove the adenomatous polyps during the colonoscopy, thus preventing colon cancer before it starts. No other colon cancer screening can provide this. Therefore, I tell my patients that a colonoscopy can be both a diagnostic and a therapeutic procedure.

What is Adenoma Detection Rate (ADR) and why is it important?

Adenoma Detection Rate (ADR) is the percentage of time that at least one adenomatous polyp is detected during a physician’s screening colonoscopies. The national average is 25 percent for men and 15 percent for women; our percentages at our surgery centers are much higher and range between 25 and 50 percent. Knowing a physician’s Adenoma Detection Rate is an important qualifying factor in selecting the GI specialist, which will give the patient added confidence when committing to the procedure.

Adenoma Detection Rate is a helpful tool because it is a direct measure of the effectiveness of the colonoscopy that a gastroenterologist offers. As patients interview potential physicians to perform their colonoscopy, they should remember that the higher the ADR, the lower the colon cancer risk.

How does a High Adenoma Detection Rate Relate to a Quality Colonoscopy?

A high Adenoma Detection Rate is essential for a quality colonoscopy and for colon cancer prevention. For every 1 percent increase in a physician’s ADR, the risk of a person developing colon cancer over the next year decreases 3 percent. Doctors who are effective in detecting and removing precancerous polyps have a high ADR and their patients are less likely to develop cancer.

Are there are any other criteria that patients should use to qualify a gastroenterologist?

Patients should ask physicians about their average withdrawal time during a colonoscopy. This refers to how quickly the colonoscope is removed from the colon once the scope reaches the cecum, the farthest point in the colon. The minimum time should be six minutes, so a withdrawal time greater than six minutes is associated with a higher ADR.

Another qualifying measure is known as cecal intubation rate, which refers to how often a physician sees the entire colon. The colonoscope should be advanced all the way to the cecum to allow visualization of the entire colon. A physician’s cecal intubation rate should be greater than 95 percent for screening colonoscopies.

Does it matter what type of bowel prep kit a patient uses?

The gastroenterologist will help choose the best bowel preparation for each patient based on their age, medical history and medications. Most importantly, patients must follow the directions exactly as they are written. A thorough colon cleanse is an essential part of the colonoscopy. The colon must be free from debris and waste so the GI speicalist can detect lesions, colon polyps and abnormalities.

How has Colonoscopy Prep Changed Over the Years to Make it More Tolerable?

Much has changed regarding bowel preparation methods in the past decade. In the past, most doctors prescribed single-dose products such as Trilyte, Nulyte or Golytely. These bowel preparations were effective, but they had many disadvantages, the first being that patients had to consume 4 liters of liquid over a short period of time. This left patients feeling bloated, full and nauseous, and vomiting was common. If patients were not able to finish all of the purgative solution, their bowel preparation was often incomplete and exam results were inconclusive or compromised.

The split-dose method splits the purgative dose into two parts: The first half of the dose is taken in the evening, and the second half is taken very early in the morning (to allow for at least two hours of fasting before anesthesia). Almost all patients prefer the split-dose method because the volume of liquid is much more tolerable, and they do not have the symptoms of nausea, bloating and abdominal fullness that the single-dose method often causes.

Which Colonoscopy Prep method do you Prescribe to your Patients and why?

For the past three to four years, I have routinely prescribed Suprep and Moviprep using the split-dose method. I find that splitting the dose cleans the bowel more effectively, and I liken it to sending a car through the car wash twice instead of just once. The colon is more thoroughly flushed, which provides an optimum environment to detect precancerous polyps.

The split-dose method allows for better visualization of the colon, especially the right side where adenomatous polyps are often missed due to poor colonoscopy prep. The split dose method just results in a cleaner colon, which increases the Adenoma Detection Rate. This, in turn, increases polyp removal and decreases colon cancer incidence.

Are there any disadvantages of the split-dose method?

Most patients want to schedule a colonoscopy during the morning hours, so yes, they may see it as a disadvantage to wake up very early on the morning of their procedure to take the second dose of the bowel prep solution. However, this is where I have the opportunity to educate my patients. I remind them that, in order to achieve an optimal bowel prep, this will allow me to be successful in finding and removing all colon polyps. This sacrifice on their part is necessary. Most patients like to do their part in providing a well-prepped colon, so they are quite agreeable to wake up early when I give them this explanation.

Besides the prep, what are some other reasons why people don’t get a colonoscopy?

There are probably three major reasons why people do not schedule screening colonoscopies:

Fear of unknown. People may rather ignore the idea of getting a colonoscopy if they don’t understand what it is or why they need it.

People think a colonoscopy will be painful. When primary care physicians refer patients to a gastroenterologist for a colonoscopy, they can offer the reassurance that anesthesia makes the procedure painless. In fact, the vast majority of patients will not even remember the procedure.

People think that they will miss too much work. Because most people will take the first dose of purgative the night before the colonoscopy and take the second dose the morning of the procedure, they will only have to miss one day of work.

Colonoscopies are not scary, painful or a waste of time. They offer colon cancer detection as well as colon cancer prevention. Therefore, we can say that colonoscopies are both diagnostic and therapeutic. As primary care physicians educate their patients on the life-saving benefits of preventative colorectal screening, we will continue to see colon cancer incidence decrease.

Dr. Brown attended medical school at the University of Louisville, where he was Chief Medical Resident. He completed a fellowship in Gastroenterology at the University of Louisville and has dedicated his career to serving the Louisville community in the field of gastroenterology.

Among his many achievements, Dr. Brown has authored several articles relating to gastroenterology and has been voted “Top Doc” by his peers in eight successive surveys in Louisville Magazine. To learn more about Dr. Paul E. Brown and his gastroenterology practice, please visit louisvillegastroenterology.com.