As we go about our daily lives, it’s easy to push health concerns to the back of our minds. After all, who wants to think about the possibility of getting sick?
However, for a serious disease like colon cancer, it’s important to catch it early. Sadly, over 40% of cases of colon cancer are detected at an advanced stage. This means people aren’t getting screened and could be missing out on a chance to save their lives.
In this blog, we’ll talk about why getting screened for colon cancer is so important and why everyone should make their health a top priority by taking this simple but crucial step in preventing and detecting this deadly disease.
What is Colon Cancer?
Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, begins in the colon or rectum and develops when abnormal cells grow out of control. Over time, these cells can form tumors, which can spread to other parts of the body if not treated early.
Why is Colon Cancer Screening Important?
Screening means checking for a disease before any symptoms appear. For colon cancer, early screening is crucial for several key reasons:
Detects Cancer Early
One of the most important reasons for early screening is that it helps to detect colon cancer in its early stages. Here’s why this is so beneficial:
- Easier to Treat: When colon cancer is found early, it is usually limited to the colon and hasn’t spread to other parts of the body. This makes it much easier to treat effectively.
- More Treatment Options: In the early stages, there are more treatment options available. These can be less invasive and have fewer side effects compared to treatments for advanced cancer.
- Better Prognosis: The chances of curing the cancer or putting it into remission are much higher when it’s detected early. This means a better overall prognosis and quality of life for patients.
Prevents Cancer
Another major benefit of colon cancer screening is that it can actually prevent cancer from developing in the first place. Here’s how:
- Finding Precancerous Polyps: During screening tests like colonoscopies, doctors can find small growths called polyps on the lining of the colon. While not all polyps turn into cancer, some do, so it’s important to remove them.
- Removing Polyps: If polyps are found during a screening, doctors can often remove them right then and there. By getting rid of these potential troublemakers early, the chance of them turning into cancer is eliminated.
- Stopping Cancer Before It Starts: This proactive approach can help stop cancer before it even begins, making screening a powerful tool in cancer prevention.
Improves Survival Rates
Early detection through colon cancer screening has a big impact on survival rates for people with colon cancer. For example, if you are diagnosed with early-stage colon cancer, your chances of surviving the disease are much higher than if it is caught at a later stage. For early-stage colon cancer, the survival rate can be over 90%, but it drops significantly for more advanced stages.
Peace of Mind
Knowing that you are doing everything possible to catch and treat cancer early provides peace of mind. It reduces anxiety about the unknown and helps individuals feel more in control of their health.
Who Should Get Colon Cancer Screening?
It is recommended that individuals begin getting screened for colon cancer at age 45. However, if you have certain risk factors, you may need to start earlier.
- If anyone in your family has had colon cancer before
- If you have a history of inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, you may be at higher risk for developing colon cancer.
- If you have a genetic condition like Lynch syndrome
Types of Screening Tests
Different tests can be used to check for colon cancer. The most common ones are:
- Colonoscopy, which uses a camera to look inside the colon and remove polyps and is done every 5 years for most people.
- Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT), which checks the stool for blood and is done annually.
- Stool DNA Test, which looks for certain changes in cells found in stool every three years.
- Flexible Sigmoidoscopy, in which the doctor looks at the lower part of the colon and rectum for signs of issues every five years.
These tests help catch cancer early or prevent it from developing.
Colon Cancer Screening Near Me
If you need a colon cancer screening or are at risk for it, make an appointment with the expert gastroenterologists at North Shore Gastroenterology. Our caring team of GI experts will give you personalized and high-quality care. We specialize in finding and treating problems in your digestive system, including colon cancer.
Contact us now at (440) 808-1212 or use our online form to request a visit. You can find us in two locations for your convenience: Westlake and Brooklyn, Ohio. We look forward to serving you!