The second most common malignancy among Americans is colorectal cancer. The number of cases and fatalities from this disease may significantly drop if more people undergo screening.
One of the best ways to find colon cancer early is through screening. But it’s not easy to get people to schedule a colonoscopy. And there are a few common misconceptions about it that can deter patients from getting screened.
Early Detection Saves Lives
When the cancer is detected early, it is more treatable. The five-year survival rate is 90% if diagnosed and treated before it spreads to other body parts.
The gold standard for screening is a colonoscopy, which is also very effective at finding precancerous growths (polyps). Your doctor or another expert can remove polyps if they are discovered.
It’s crucial to begin screening sooner if you have a high-risk factor for colorectal cancer, such as a family history of the disease, inflammatory bowel disease, or polyposis syndromes. The USPTF recommends screening at age 45 and decreasing it every five years until you reach 75.
Suppose you are at low risk of colorectal cancer. In that case, a noninvasive test like the Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) from Gastroenterology Of The Rockies is an easy and painless way to screen for colon cancer. With this kit, you can collect a sample with the stroke of a brush and mail it to the lab for testing. FIT results are digital, and you can share them with your doctor.
Detection Saves Money
When detected early, colorectal cancer can be easily treated and prevented from spreading to other body parts. It is especially valid for those with a history of the illness in their families.
According to the American Cancer Society, those at average risk for colorectal cancer should start getting checked around age 45. Those at higher risk (including those with a family history of colorectal cancer, chronic inflammatory bowel disease, polyposis syndromes, or patients of African-American descent) should start screening earlier.
In addition to colonoscopy, there are many other screening tests available. Several of these tests detect precancerous polyps and can lead to the prevention or detection of cancers at an early stage when they are more treatable.
Detection Saves Time
If you’re 45 or older, start a conversation with your doctor about colon cancer screening. Screening can reduce your risk of developing this disease and help you save time in the long run.
Colon cancer typically develops from a growth called a polyp on the inside lining of the colon. It can take years before a polyp becomes cancer, but early detection and treatment often prevent it from forming.
There are a few methods for screening for colorectal cancer, such as a stool test or colonoscopy. These tests look for blood or other markers in your faeces that indicate a polyp is growing.
Detection Saves You from Pain
Colon is one of the most prevalent cancers in both men and women. The good news is that colon cancer is preventable with regular screening.
A colonoscopy is a gold standard for screening because it removes any polyps or growths before they can become cancerous.
It also looks for abnormalities in the lining of your colon, which may indicate inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or other serious health problems.
During the procedure, your doctor inserts a long, flexible tube with a camera on one end, called a colonoscope, into your rectum.
When polyps are found during the exam, they can be removed quickly and painlessly so they don’t get bigger or develop into cancer.
The CDC recommends that all adults start having a colon cancer screening test at age 45 or earlier, depending on their risk factors. These include a strong family history of colorectal cancer or polyps.
