Beating colon cancer often means stopping the disease before it ever has a chance. That’s why colon cancer screenings are essential, especially for adults over 50.
Cancer of the colon or rectum, also known as colorectal cancer, is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths among adults. However, improved treatment, detection and prevention efforts mean more than a million people in the United States are colon cancer survivors, according to the American Cancer Society. Still, the best way to prevent colon cancer is through regular screenings for the disease.
Through screenings, physicians can identify precancerous polyps that can be safely removed before they turn into cancer. Also, if colon cancer is detected at an early stage, treatment can often lead to a full recovery.
Timely colon cancer screenings save lives. The death rate for colorectal cancer has been dropping over the years as more and more polyps are discovered and removed before they become cancerous.
Since regular screening is essential to preventing colon cancer, adults age 50 and older are strongly encouraged to get screened.
Adults younger than 50 may need to get screened early if they or a close relative have previously had colorectal polyps or cancer, if they have an illness like Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis or if they have a genetic syndrome such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (Lynch syndrome).
Ask your doctor if and when colon cancer screening is right for you.
CHI St. Vincent’s Gastroenterology and Digestive Health clinics offer a comprehensive range of services, including advanced colon cancer screenings. To find a physician and get screened, visit the CHI St. Vincent website.