Page 10 March 2015 By Eric Goldberg, M.D. OK, you’re not real comfortable with the thought of having a colonoscopy. But are you comfortable with the thought of having a disease that’s the second-leading cause of cancer death in the U.S.? Especially when that colonoscopy you didn’t have could have helped avoid it? Colon cancer is probably the most preventable cancer because it usually takes a long time to develop. A colonoscopy lets your doctor take a close look at the inside of your entire colon to find polyps or signs of cancer. Polyps are small growths on the bowel wall that can become cancerous over time. They’re found in approximately 30 percent of people older than age 50 and typically don’t cause any symptoms. But polyps get bigger and can turn into cancer. While most polyps do not become cancerous, it can be difficult to tell which ones will lead to disease, so all are removed. That means it’s important to remove benign polyps, which often can be accomplished during a colonoscopy. By eliminating the polyps, you’re helping eliminate the risk of cancer. If a small polyp is found, your doctor will remove it. If it’s too large to be removed, or if you have an abnormality that looks like cancer, your doctor will do a biopsy, removing a small piece of it for testing in the lab. Lab results will determine if you need additional procedures or treatment. You should have a screening colonoscopy starting at age 50. If you have a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, have a colonoscopy starting 10 years younger than your relative was at diagnosis. Newer bowel preparations for the outpatient procedure make it more comfortable than in the past. You’ll be sedated to block both pain and memory of the procedure. A colonoscopy takes about 30 minutes. If your doctor does not find anything amiss, you can go up to 10 years without another one. If something is discovered, you may need more frequent tests or treatments. Eric Goldberg, M.D., is an internal medicine physician at Scottsdale Healthcare Primary Care Arcadia 101, Suite 101, Phoenix. Reach him at 480-882-7350. It’s time for a certain test Updates from SUSD meeting By Francesca Thomas On February 10, the SUSD Governing Board had its monthly general meeting. The agenda, as well as links to each of the presentations and a video of the full proceedings, is available on the SUSD website: susd.org. The bulk of the meeting was dedicated to board rules, revisions and adoptions, and the adoption of district goals. Here are some highlights: • The board confirmed that members of the public are allowed to make comments at any general meeting, even if an item is pulled from the agenda by a board member. In fact, public comment at public board meetings is always welcome on any topic, whether on the agenda or not. • The board also expanded its rules to include allowing both the board and the superintendent to participate in legislative action pertaining to school success. The board had a lengthy discussion about its new goals for 2015-17, which falls under the large categories of academic achievement, fiscal responsibility, external communication, organizational health and school safety. The district plans to develop and publish for the community a visual diagram of the goals and measurements that will be available on the website, as well as provide quarterly updates to the board and to the public. The board was advised that the auditor general released the new spending reports (Classroom Dollars) for each district. SUSD contested the auditor general’s new classification system that does not recognize librarians, counselors, psychologists or some substitute teachers as classroom expenditures, even for the hours they are specifically working with children. The board was forewarned that the new categories would impact the calculated percentage of dollars in the classroom for 2014-15, despite the maintenance of teaching services for students. In other district news, community members who are interested in the presentation on the elementary school master planning can find it on the SUSD website. The district is seeking input from the community on how to proceed regarding SUSD elementary school facilities. After viewing the presentation, community members are encouraged to complete an online survey. The board will hold its next general meeting on March 24 at Coronado High School. The public is always invited to attend. Francesca Thomas is an Arcadia mom who has volunteer in SUSD schools for 15 years, including time as the president and legislative liaison for Scottsdale Parent Council. FREE City Ready Blueprints with any room addition* *$1500 limit 2500 E Thomas Rd, Suite 103 Phoenix AZ 85016 Now accepting applications for the 2015-2016 academic year! Program Highlights 10,000 sq ft Early Childhood Center National Junior Honor Society Accelerated Reading Program ITBS Scores Above National Average Computer lab / Technology based learning Wide-range of extracurricular activities Gymnasium SAINT THERESA CATHOLIC SCHOOL 602-840-0010 x200 5001 E. Thomas Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85018 www.stcs.us For more information or to schedule a private tour, call 602-840-0010 x200. SAINT THERESA CATHOLIC SCHOOL Accredited by Western Catholic Education Association (WCEA) A 2010 National Blue Ribbon School, Saint Theresa Catholic School offers a rigorous curriculum designed to prepare students spiritually, academically and socially for the future.

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