Don’t Wait! The Life-Saving Colon Cancer Screening You Need
March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month, a time to focus on the importance of early detection and prevention. Colon cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, and when detected early, it is highly treatable. That’s why regular screening is crucial for individuals between the ages of 45 and 75.
Why is Screening Important?
Colon cancer often develops silently, with few or no symptoms in its early stages. However, when detected early through routine screening, it can be prevented or treated before it spreads. If colon cancer is diagnosed after it has already spread outside the colon, treatment becomes more complex, often requiring chemotherapy and significantly affecting life expectancy.
Common Screening Methods
There are three widely used screening tests for colon cancer:
FIT Testing (Fecal Immunochemical Test): A simple yearly test where you place a small stool sample on a card and submit it to a lab for analysis.
Cologuard: A non-invasive test performed every three years. This test detects abnormal DNA in stool samples, which are collected at home and mailed to a testing site via UPS.
Colonoscopy: The most thorough screening method performed every 10 years for average-risk individuals. This procedure involves clearing out the colon the night before the exam, after which a gastroenterologist examines the colon and removes any detected polyps.
Who Needs More Frequent Screening?
Some individuals have a higher risk of developing colon cancer and require more frequent screenings, often with a colonoscopy rather than FIT testing or Cologuard. Higher-risk individuals include those with:
A personal history of colon polyps
A family history of colon cancer
A family history of Lynch syndrome
Inflammatory bowel disease (such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis)
Cystic fibrosis
Take Charge of Your Health
If you are between the ages of 45 and 75, or if you have risk factors for colon cancer, talk to your healthcare provider about the best screening method for you. Early detection saves lives, and regular screenings can make all the difference in preventing and successfully treating colon cancer.
By prioritizing routine screening, you take an active role in safeguarding your health. Don’t wait—get screened and encourage your loved ones to do the same!
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