When Should I Ask About Colon Cancer Screening?
Anyone over 50, with a family history of colon cancer, or who has suspicious symptoms should schedule an appointment with a qualified gastroenterologist. Things to watch for include:
- Unexplained abdominal pain
- Narrower than normal stools
- Blood in the stool
- Unusual change in bowel habits
- Unexplained anemia
Should you experience any of these symptoms, seek the advice of your physician as soon as possible. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is perhaps the most curable cancer when caught early. Screening is a diagnostic evaluation that everyone should have on a regular basis since no symptoms may be present during the early stages of CRC.
Why Should I Care About Cancer Screening if I Have No Symptoms?
More and more cancers can be treated and cured if caught early. Colorectal cancer (CRC), for example, is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States for men (behind lung and prostate cancer) and women (behind lung and breast cancer). The good news is that most CRC is preventable with proper cancer screening. Screening ensures early detection allowing for the removal of precancerous polyps.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about one in three adults in the US between the ages of 50 and 75 years old are not getting screened for as recommended. Daily exercise and a healthy diet that focuses on vegetables and fruits can decrease the risk of CRC, but screening is an essential part of cancer prevention.
Are There Options When it Comes to Colon Cancer Screening?
Depending on your age and family medical history, there are several screening procedures your gastroenterologist may recommend. In order to catch any problems early, a regular checkup is recommended. If screening tests are indicated, that may include a barium enema, a flexible sigmoidoscopy or a colonoscopy. Any procedures prescribed depends on an individual's risk of colorectal cancer.
