The fight against colon cancer

FARMINGTON, Conn. (WTNH) -- The latest tool in detecting colon cancer: News 8 has more on what's now available in the fight against the second leading cause of cancer deaths.

High definition endoscope is now the best way to detect colon cancer.

The images taken during colonoscopy using it have higher resolutions.

"That means lines and better detection of smaller polyps and a better view of the surface of your colon," said Dr. John Birk, UConn Health Center.

Dr. Birk heads up the Division of Gastroenterology at UConn Health Center, one of the first facilities to get the high tech tool.

"I do think that it's been shown to increase your polyp detection rate and therefore identify those people who are at an increase risk for colon cancer," said Dr. Birk.   

It's flexibility makes it easier to insert.

"They've made it floppy in three regions," Dr. Birk said.

The close focus enables doctors to see more and the narrow band imaging, which decreases the penetration of the light, distinguishes the polyps.

"You can determine the architecture and understand a little bit better whether or not it's a true polyp or just a bump," he said.

Dr. Birk points out while it takes about 10 years to go from polyp to cancer, not all polyps are cancerous.
 
A colonoscopy is recommended at 50 years old, but there's some debate on whether the elderly should have it done.  

"I do feel that if you're an elderly American anywhere from 75 to 85 range that if you're otherwise healthy, it's worth looking," Dr. Birk said. 

Risk factors for colon cancer includes age, race, smoking and obesity.