UC Irvine doctor is working toward a colon cancer-free OC

IN THE NEWS: There's no "magic pill" that prevents colon cancer, but Dr. William Karnes has plans to reduce the incidence of the disease in Orange County by 90 percent. Getting there requires the active participation of patients, the UCI Health gastroenterologist recently told an audience at the Newport Beach Public Library. 

Although one in 20 people will develop colon cancer in their lifetime, regular colonoscopies can prevent up to 90 percent of colon and rectal cancers. The Orange County Register covered the recent lecture presented by Karnes, director of the UCI Health high risk colon cancer program, and genetic counselor Deepika Nathan. They discussed the modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors associated with developing colon cancer, preventive measures and the role of genetic counseling for those with inherited high risk factors. 

Karnes also discussed several initiatives aimed at helping patients and physicians improve the success of screening, diagnosis and treatment. Efforts include developing a comprehensive evidence-based questionnaire for iPads that help patients and their physicians assess risk, determine behaviors to modify and identify interventions. Another initiative would compile information about the frequency and quality of colonoscopies performed by community physicians that could help healthcare professionals improve screening techniques.

Read the Orange County Register article here >