SHARES
According to American Cancer Society, colon cancer is the 3rd leading cause of cancer deaths among men and women. More cases are being expected to be diagnosed and many had lost their lives to it.
But in the past years, the number of cases and deaths from colorectal cancer has declined due to colorectal cancer screening. For both men and women, the recommended age for screening is above 50 years old.
Why is screening very important?
Many colorectal cancers can be prevented by simple screening procedure. Screening can help find precancerous polyps so that they can be removed before they turn into cancer. Colorectal cancers are highly treatable when it is found early.
Source: https://mnoncology.com/about-us/practice-news/the-importance-of-colorectal-cancer-screening/
Tests to detect Polyps and Colon Cancer:
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy – Every 5 years
- Colonoscopy – Every 10 years
- Double-contrast barium enema – Every 5 years
- CT Colonography – Every 5 years
Tests to screen for signs of Cancer:
- Fecal Occult Blood Test – Every year
- Fecal Immunochemical Test – Every year
- Stool DNA test
People with Certain Risk Factors which need to start the screening earlier:
- Age – the risk of getting colon cancer increases as the person ages.
- Family history – you have a higher risk of getting colon cancer when someone from your family has it.
- Diet – diets high in fat and low in calcium and fibre can increase the risk also.
- Smoking – it increases the risk of polyps and colon cancer.
- History of bowel disease – people who suffer from ulcerative colitis has a higher risk to develop into colon cancer.
- Obesity – Person who are overweight are at high risk of getting cancer.
Colon cancer is totally preventable by removing precancerous colon polyps and it is curable if early cancer is surgically removed before it spreads to other part of body. Colon cancer screening is now available in almost all hospitals, get yourself checked! It will be the first step towards reducing incidence and deaths of colon cancer.
If you need to consult a Colorectal Surgeonr: call, send an enquiry or book an appointment on GetDoc
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Reference
- Colorectal cancer. [Internet][cited 2019 February 18] Available from:
- Colorectal cancer early detection. [Internet][cited 2019 February 18] Available from:
- Colorectal cancer screening. [Internet][cited 2019 February 18] Available from:
https://www.medicinenet.com/colon_cancer_screening/article.htm
- Colon cancer screening. [Internet][cited 2019 February 18] Available from:
by Leelah
'' The first step towards a change is awareness !'' The saying which inspired the medical graduate to reach the public through GetDoc. View all articles by Leelah.
