Why Do You Need Regular Colonoscopy?
A screening test checks for a disease if a person has no symptoms. Colorectal cancer is almost always formed from pre-cancerous polyps (abnormal growths) in the colon or rectum. Precancerous polyps can be identified in screening tests so they can be removed before they become cancer. Colorectal cancer can also be detected early in screening tests if the treatment works best.
When to Start Screening?
You will start colorectal cancer screening or colonoscopy shortly after you turn 50, and continue to be screened annually. And, if –you or a closer parent has colorectal cancer history, you may have to be screened earlier than 50 or more than others.
You must follow colonoscopy, if-
Colorectal polyps or colorectal cancer is present to you, or close relative.
Inflammatory bowel conditions, including Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, are common.
Genetic condition (FAP) Internal symbol or inherited colorectal non-polyposis cancer (Lynch Condition) is present.
If you think the risk of colorectal cancer is increased, talk to your doctor about it. What to ask?
When to start screening?
What is the right test for you?
How many times to be tested.
Cancer that starts in the rectum or colon is known as colorectal cancer. This similarly affects all forms of ethnicity and race but is most common among those over 45 years of age. It is the third most common cancer in men and women as well as the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S.–but it doesn't have to be so!
Colon cancer screening is designed to detect and remove early signs of disease. Polyps— abnormal growth in the rectum and colon — are the most common source of colon cancer.
Symptoms that You Need Screening
Be careful to keep your colon screening schedule safe and cancer-free. At the same time, symptoms are identified that could indicate the early signs of colon cancer. Your doctor will quickly find the source of your problem and initiate the correct procedure by using one of the screening methods sooner rather than later. Contains early signs of colon cancer:
Blood in stools
Sudden and unexplained weight loss
Constipation or diarrhea
Stool consistency change
Weakness
Abdominal pain or cramp
Prevent Colon Cancer
Screening is the best prevention available, but with a few lifestyle changes, you can also reduce your risk of developing colon cancer:
Quit smoking
Exercise regularly
Low alcohol consumption
Eat fresh fruits and vegetables
Maintain a healthy weight
Beginning of Screening
Colon cancer screening usually starts at age 50, unless the gastroenterologist puts you at increased risk or has signs already. More national organizations are actually recommending screening at an earlier age. In addition, if you have, you may need to start screening earlier:
A genetic disorder such as Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis
Crohn’s disease
Inflammatory bowel disease
Ulcerative colitis
A close relative with colon cancer or a history of polyps
Contact Digestive Disease Specialist Inc. for colonoscopy in OKC. See how we can help you with other gastrointestinal problems.
**Disclaimer: This blog content does not offer a doctor's advice and creates no relationship between any patient and care provider.
