Page 80 - South Mississippi Living - November, 2017

GOLDEN YEARS get screened
COLON
Dr. Marc Hopkins, left, and Dr. Joshua Tyler, right.
CANCER IS
CURABLE
– TESTING IS THE KEY
sMtory by Lynn Lofton photo courtesy of Merit Health Biloxi
ississippi has the nation’s highest death rate from colon cancer. Nationally, colon cancer is the most common cancer behind breast cancer among women, and the most common behind prostate cancer among men. These are reasons Merit Health Biloxi is building a team to combat this problem. Colorectal surgeon Joshua Tyler, M.D., and gastroenterologist Marc Hopkins, M.D., are
leading the team and are the only colorectal surgeons in Mississippi. They were recently joined on the Merit Health team by Ramon Brown, M.D.
Tyler and Hopkins, who’re in the same clinic, are passionate about increasing awareness that colon cancer is curable. Screenings are key to that curability. “We have to get the word out,” Tyler said. “Tests are far easier than having surgery.”
Hopkins points out that although genetics is the biggest risk factor, some data suggests that a high
fiber diet without much red meat, along with not smoking, can reduce risks. “It’s also important to know if you’re at risk by certain conditions such as crone’s disease or ulcerated bowel syndrome,” he added. “The main thing is to eat a healthy, well- balanced diet and have screenings.”
By screenings, the doctors mean colonoscopies beginning at age 50. “That’s when it’s time to see your primary care doctor and have a conversation about the type of tests you should have,” Hopkins said. “We see some patients in their 60s and 70s
who have never had a colonoscopy. They should have it because it’s better late than never. It’s the wrong thought process that ‘I’m this age
and never had one so I must be okay.’ Especially if you have some sort of symptom such as rectal bleeding, don’t ignore it.”
African Americans have a higher risk of having colon cancer, and the doctors recommend this population begin testing around age 45.
The home test kit, Cologuard, is non invasive and checks for abnormal DNA that is seen in polyps. This test can be prescribed in a primary care setting and is recommended every three years. “It’s certainly better
than doing nothing, but if the test is positive, then you must have a colonoscopy,” Hopkins said.
Tyler says it’s important to note that colon cancer is being seen at an increasing rate among younger people. The reason isn’t known at
this time.
Patients benefit by Hopkins and
Tyler sharing a clinic. “It’s the only clinic of this type in the state,” Tyler said. “We can talk through complex cases face to face. It’s phenomenal for patients because we share a staff so scheduling is quick and easy.”
If surgery is needed, Tyler performs it using Merit Health’s state-of- the-art robotic surgery, making it convenient for patients not to have to travel to Mobile or New Orleans.
147 Reynoir St., Biloxi 228.436.1273 www.merithealthbiloxi.com
80 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • November 2017
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