Every year, more than 150,000 Americans are diagnosed with colorectal cancer, with more than a third of them dying from the disease. That is why it is important to make sure you are getting your colonoscopy screening scheduled and performed on time.
The American Cancer Society now recommends that adults at an average risk for colorectal cancer begin getting their colonoscopies at age 45. People at higher risk should begin colonoscopies even earlier. Those with a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) with a history of colorectal cancer or those with inflammatory bowel syndrome or other colon-related diseases are considered high risk.
“One in 23 people will get colon cancer, but if you do screenings, your cancer risk is extremely low,” said Dr. Daniel Davis, a general surgeon at The Medical Center at Bowling Green. “This is because colon polyps take a long time to form cancers. If you come in at 45, and you get screened appropriately after age 45, your likelihood of ever getting colon cancer is really low.”
Colorectal cancer is one of the few cancers that can be prevented. If a surgeon or gastroenterologist finds polyps during a colonoscopy screening, they are able to remove them, often before they turn into cancer. If you wait until you are showing symptoms, it may be too late.
“Colon cancers are typically asymptomatic until they’re advanced,” said Davis. “By the time you start noticing symptoms of colorectal cancer, it’s a big problem. If you can catch the polyps before they become cancers, and remove them, then you can potentially save yourself from ever developing colorectal cancer.”
A colonoscopy is the gold standard and the most effective way to identify colon cancer. It enables the doctor to see the entire length of the lower intestine. During the procedure, polyps and suspicious growths can be removed and investigated with a biopsy. Some people avoid scheduling routine colonoscopies because of the preparation involved, but Davis says the process and procedure is well worth your time.
“The day before the procedure, you have to do the bowel prep, which is people’s least favorite part, but the procedure itself is relatively easy for the patient,” said Davis.
He says the procedure takes 20-30 minutes, followed by a brief recovery period to allow the anesthesia to wear off. Then you’re able to be driven back home.
“You’re looking at only about an hour of time in the hospital to be able to prevent yourself from having colorectal cancer,” said Davis.
To schedule your colonoscopy visit: https://medcenterhealth.org/condition/colon-cancer/
-submitted by Med Center Health
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