Colon cancer is one of the common causes of mortality in the United States. Fortunately, you can prevent colon cancer advancement through colonoscopy Austin tests. This examination helps to detect and cure polyps (growths in the colon’s lining) before they develop into cancer.
During a colonoscopy, a doctor uses a long, slender, flexible tube with a high-definition camera at the end to examine your rectum and colon. Colonoscopies may identify diseases, including diverticulosis, colitis, and inflammatory bowel disease.
Here are five reasons to get a colonoscopy:
1. You have turned 45!
According to experts in the past, individuals should schedule their first colonoscopy when they reach 50. However, these guidelines have now changed, and experts now advise starting a regular screening colonoscopy at age 45.
It’s time to schedule another colonoscopy if it’s been ten years since your previous one.
2. You have a personal history of colon cancer or polyps
A history of adenomatous polyps increases the risk of Colon cancer. This is particularly true if any of them exhibit dysplasia, have a significant number of polyps, or have had numerous polyps. Your gastroenterologist will suggest a screening plan depending on your risk if polyps are discovered, and your findings are established. If you’re past due, make an appointment right away.
Even if the cancer was removed, those who have survived it are more likely to have subsequent colon cancers. Even more, people are susceptible to new malignancies if they had their first colorectal cancer when they were younger. Consult your gastroenterologist or oncologist about your colonoscopy screening regimen if you’ve already received a cancer diagnosis.
3. You come from a family with a history of colon cancer or polyps
Even though most cases of colon cancer are detected in persons with no family history, up to one-third of those who get the disease have relatives who have it.
The risk increases if a first-degree family (parent, sibling, or kid) has a history of colon cancer. If the first-degree relative was diagnosed before age 50 or if more than one first-degree relative has had colon cancer, the risk is substantially greater.
Additionally, having a family history of adenomatous polyps, the cancerous polyps, increases the chance of developing colon cancer.
If you have a family history of colon cancer or adenomatous polyps, see your doctor about when to begin screening. They may need to start colon cancer screenings before the age of 45.
4. You have symptoms of colon cancer
Although early colon cancer often has no symptoms, if you have the following symptoms you should see a gastroenterologist:
- Blood in stool
- Unexpected weight loss
- Rectal bleeding
- Abdominal pain
Even though these signs don’t indicate colon cancer, a colonoscopy may help doctors identify specific digestive issues.
5. You’ve had inflammatory bowel disease in the past
Colon cancer risk is increased by having an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease. Colon cancer screening may need to begin sooner and be done more regularly in those with inflammatory bowel disease.
A colonoscopy is the most effective way of finding all malignant and precancerous cancers is a colonoscopy. Simply said, the only approach to prevent colon cancer is via colonoscopies. Call Lone Star Gastroenterology to book your appointment for a colonoscopy.
