Get Screened for Colon and Rectal Cancer
2/16/2023
What is the best way to safeguard your colon health? You're not alone if you’ve ever wondered where to start when it comes to maintaining your colon health. Adequate amounts of physical activity, good nutrition, and routine health assessments are some of the best ways to protect your health as you age. Colorectal cancer is among the most common yet avoidable cancers because of the tests that are available for detecting this disease. Being proactive with your colon health could be as simple as setting up an appointment at Digestive Health Center. Our Thibodaux, LA gastroenterology team can help guide you toward a future of health.
Why are colon cancer exams important?
As reported by the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer affects the lives of approximately 4% of adults in the United States. That is around 1 in 25 individuals. However, colon cancer is avoidable if found in the initial stages.
In most cases, colon cancers arise as a growth (cluster of cellular material) on the inner wall of the rectum or large intestine (colon). These growths are called polyps. It is rare to have symptoms when polyps are present, indicating that a screening is critical to catching them. With periodic exams, you’re helping protect your GI and general health by removing any growths before they become malignant. It is also essential, however, to obtain a colorectal cancer screening if you’ve experienced one or more of the following symptoms:
- Change in stool color or form
- Abdominal pain
- Anal bleeding
- Change in bathroom habits
What makes colon cancer so common?
While it isn't clear why colon cancer has become such a common disease over time, certain factors could increase your risk of colon and rectal cancer. Staying well-informed and knowing the risk factors for the cancer can help you remain vigilant and make good choices for the future. A few of the risk factors for colon cancer include the following:
- A prior history of colorectal cancer
- Having inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease)
- A diet lacking fruits and vegetables
- Genetic history of colon cancer
- Lack of exercise
- A low-fat and high-fat diet
- Using tobacco products
- A diet that incorporates a lot of processed meat
We invite you to request a consultation with a Digestive Health Center gastrointestinal specialist. Our Thibodaux, LA staff can provide further details about colon cancer and how to move toward future health and wellness.
How often should you have a colon cancer test?
It’s recommended to undergo your initial colorectal screening starting at age 45 if you have an average risk for colon cancer and then every decade after that. The risk of polyps and colorectal cancer becomes more significant as you become older, meaning that the more times you undergo a colon cancer test, the quicker a concern can be found. Once you turn 75, you’ll require testing depending on your overall health and your gastroenterologist's recommendations.
It is essential to understand that having a personal or familial history of polyps or colon cancer places you in the significantly higher risk category. If you fall into this significant high-risk bracket, you'll likely need a colonoscopy exam a minimum of once every five years. It's much better to be aware of the status of your colorectal health rather than to question whether you should schedule a GI appointment. A standard evaluation for colorectal cancer, best known as a colonoscopy, typically takes under an hour. This procedure is an optimal method to learn the current status of your colon health and what modifications you can make to help keep your colon healthy moving forward.
Schedule a colon cancer screening in Thibodaux, LA today
A colon cancer screening can safeguard your future. The American Cancer Society reports that approximately 144,000 new cases of colorectal cancer are diagnosed annually. Help minimize that statistic today by scheduling a colon cancer test at Digestive Health Center in Thibodaux, LA. If you have questions or concerns about the exam or your colon health, we invite you to discuss them with your gastrointestinal specialist during your visit.