Colorectal cancer has become more common, especially in younger adults and is life threatening. In fact, it has become the deadliest cancer for young men in the United States and the second deadliest among young women. When caught early, colorectal cancer is highly treatable.
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Can Colon Cancer Can Be Prevented?
|While the exact cause of colorectal cancer is not known, you can reduce the your risk for it. The most powerful tool is regular colorectal cancer screening, before any symptoms appear.
So yes, routine screening can help prevent colon cancer. Finding abnormal colon growths and pre-cancer polyps before it is able to turn into cancer.
Only Those Who Are Experiencing Symptoms Need To Get Tested For Colon Cancer
Unfortunately, most people don’t have any symptoms in early colon cancer. So, it is important to get screened even if you don’t notice any issues
If you are experiencing any of the following conditions, it is important to see gastroenterologist or your health care provider.
A change in your bowel habits, this could be constipation or diarrhea that last for more than a couple of days.
You have the urge to have a bowel movement, but that feeling isn’t received by doing so.
If you have an inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease.
A family history of colorectal polyps or colorectal cancer
Blood in your stool, dark stools, or rectal bleeding.
Stomach pain or cramping
Extreme tiredness and weakness that doesn’t get better after you have rested.
Weight loss that is unexplained
What Age Does Screening For Colorectal Cancer Start?
It is recommended by the American Cancer Society to start routine screening at age 45, if you are average risk of colon cancer. Testing should start earlier if you have a higher risks. This could be a family history or other factors.
Early Detection Is Key
Early screening and testing help detect colorectal cancer early, when it is most treatable. For more information or to make an appointment, contact Gastroenterology Consultants of Central Florida.
Gastroenterology Consultants of Central Florida was founded in 1996. Our mission is to provide our patients with the highest quality of care with the latest technology available.
Our medical team consists of skilled, Board Certified Gastroenterology Physicians. We work with you, your primary care physician, and your insurance company to ensure a treatment protocol that is designed to meet your specific needs.