Encouraging Health

Does colon cancer run in your family? If so, ask your doctor about a screening colonoscopy. This week. Really — don’t put it off.

Studies show that screening colonoscopies can prevent up to 80 percent of colon cancer cases in people who fall into the high-risk category. If you aren’t high risk, here’s when you should start thinking about screening.

Screening Basics
A colonoscopy usually takes about half an hour, and although it’s not something most people look forward to, it’s 30 minutes well spent. This procedure allows a doctor to get a clear view inside your large intestine, so he or she can spot colon cancer or any suspicious areas.

What is a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is an exam of the colon (large intestine, or bowel) with a slim, flexible, lighted tube called a colonoscope. Your health care provider can use the colonoscope to get a clear, magnified view of the inside of your colon from the anus to the area near the appendix.

When is it used?
Colonoscopy is the most direct and complete way to see the entire lining of the colon. It is usually done for one of the following reasons:

Prevention and early detection of cancer. If you are between 50 and 80 years old, your health care provider may recommend that you have a colonoscopy at least every 10 years. If you have a personal or family history that increases your risk, your provider may recommend that you have the test more often. A colonoscopy can help your provider find and remove growths (polyps) before they become cancerous. It can also allow your provider to detect cancerous growths early, when the cancer is easier to cure.
Diagnosis of illness. If you have symptoms of illness that your health care provider has not been able to explain, you may have this procedure to try to find the cause of your symptoms. For example, you may be having unexplained abdominal pain or abnormal bowel movements. Your provider can check for inflammation of the bowel lining or infected pockets (diverticula) in the bowel wall.

When Should You Start?
For high-risk people, some say colon cancer screening should start at age 40. Some say age 45. Work with your doctor to find a screening schedule that makes sense for your personal medical history. If you don’t have any risk factors, the general recommendation is that you start colorectal cancer screening at age 50.

Read more about how Unhealthy habits tie heart disease, colon cancer.

colon cancer, colonoscopy

colon cancer, colonoscopy