If you’re in good health, colon cancer screening might not be at the top of your priority list. However, there are many factors to consider when it comes to who should get colorectal cancer screening, when they should start, and the different screening methods to choose from. Thankfully, colon cancer is often treatable—but the earlier it is detected, the easier it is to beat. With that in mind, let’s look at what colon cancer really is, symptoms to look out for, and how it can be diagnosed and treated.
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Colon cancer starts with growths, called polyps, on the inner lining of the colon.
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Not all polyps become cancer. During colonoscopy screenings, doctors can find and remove polyps to test for cancerous and precancerous cells.
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If cancer does form in a polyp and it isn’t removed, it can spread to the walls of the colon, and eventually to the lymph nodes in other areas of the body.
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Abdominal pain, an obvious change in bowel habits, and rectal bleeding are all common symptoms.
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Some people can have polyps and not experience any symptoms, which is why it's important to be involved in a screening program.
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Men and women are equally at risk for colon cancer; however, rectal cancer is more common in men.
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Someone who doesn't have a family history of colon cancer or any symptoms is considered to be at an average risk for developing colon cancer.
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Someone who has a family history of the disease or a personal history with certain polyps is considered to be at an increased risk.
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Someone who has inflammatory bowel disease or certain genetic syndromes are considered to be at a high risk.
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If you're at average risk for colon cancer, your Primary Care Physician will recommend starting screening at age 45 for African-Americans and age 50 for everyone else.
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If you're at an increased or high risk, you should discuss when to start screenings with your Primary Care Physician.
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There are several screening options available for colorectal cancer. Some of the most common methods include a colonoscopy or a stool-based test.
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During a colonoscopy, a doctor is able to look inside and get a clear picture of the colon and rectum. This allows them to see if there are any growths/polyps or any signs of cancer on the colon walls.
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If the doctor does find polyps, they are typically removed and biopsied to determine if they are cancerous or not.
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There are a few different ways to treat colon cancer or colorectal cancer. Treatment typically depends on which stage your cancer is in, and how invasive it has become within the rest of your body.
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The most common treatments are local, surgery or radiation used to treat the tumor, and systemic medication or therapy. Systemic usually consists of some type of chemotherapy. It’s designed to kill cancer cells that may have spread to other areas of the body.
Again, colon cancer is one of the most treatable forms of cancer, as long as it’s caught in an early stage. Consider your risk factors, and take a look at your family history when it comes to colorectal issues. If you think you’re at a higher risk for this disease, talk to your doctor about your screening options. Preventative care is a much easier process than having to go through surgery or chemotherapy to treat colon cancer. Regular preventative care can keep your risk of colon cancer low.
Our world-class gastroenterologists can determine if any symptoms you are experiencing are a cause of concern and offer different methods of colonoscopy screenings to make a diagnosis. Early detection can make all the difference when it comes to treating and beating colon cancer. Visit us online to learn more about colon health and different options for colorectal cancer screening. You can easily book an appointment with many Crystal Run Healthcare physicians through the website or contact us if you need additional assistance.
● https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/colon-cancer/symptomscauses/syc-20353669 ● https://www.cancer.org/cancer/colon-rectal-cancer/detection-diagnosisstaging/acs-recommendations.html ● https://www.verywellhealth.com/colon-cancer-overview-797703