Colorectal Cancer Screening: One Step Ahead to Save Life
There is no doubt that cancer is a life-threatening disease. But thanks to modern medical science, people live for decades without having many complications. But everything has a limitation so does medical science. Surviving rate of cancer patients is much higher when they get diagnosed with it in the beginning.
It is true for any type of cancer, including colon cancer. People may not be aware, but colorectal cancer can be preventable, but still, people lose their life due to late diagnosis. According to research, this is the second most reason behind cancer death in the United States. You may have to spend a few hours during colonoscopy screening, but it can save your life. How so? Let's find out the truth.
Cancer in the Colon? Sounds Odd
Mostly we read about cancers in breasts, lungs, blood, and a few more. But thousands of people have colon cancer. The U.S. government is trying to spread awareness about it among people as much as possible.
When a particular type of polyp starts to grow in your rectum or colon, it is considered colorectal cancer. You don't need to get scared; having a polyp in your colon does not mean you have cancer. Turning into cancer takes years and that's why there is hope.
A Few Facts about Colorectal Cancer Screening
Doctors recommend to do screening to be sure. However, going for screening doesn’t mean you have cancer. Research shows that a few types of tests, including colonoscopy screening, can detect cancer initially and may prevent death in most cases. There are five types of cancer-detecting tests: Sigmoidoscopy, Colonoscopy, Fecal occult blood test, Virtual colonoscopy, and DNA stool test. Keep in mind that screening that uses a digital rectal exam finds out the exact cause behind any polyp. Experts study these tests in clinical trials.
Who Are in a High-Risk Area of Having Colon Cancer?
Most people who have colon cancer are in the age group of 65 to 74. But nowadays, screening decreases the chances of having the disease in the age group of 50. But, the number of young adults is increasing slowly though the reason is not classified yet.
But other factors that exceed the chances of cancer are previous history of cancer in the family, age, having bowel disease like ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, obesity, diet and smoking, etc.
When Should an Individual Start Getting Colonoscopy Screening?
In a recent update, the American cancer society has announced that an individual with an average risk of cancer should get start screening from age 45 and continue till 75. But those who are in a high-risk zone should start earlier. The average colonoscopy screening age varies on multiple factors.
How often should you do the screening based on which type of test you will take? For instance, doctors recommend doing a colonoscopy screening once in 10 years.
Say NO to cancer
Besides doing the screening, you should also maintain a healthy lifestyle to prevent the chances of cancer and increase your immunity system at the same time. Regular exercise, quitting drinking alcohol and smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight will help you.
If you are willing to protect yourself or your dear one from the severity of colon cancer, contact us today at Digestive Disease Specialists, INC. Our experts will help you diagnose your condition and provide suitable treatment according to the requirement.
**Disclaimer: This blog content does not offer a doctor's advice and creates no relationship between any patient and care provider.
