Start This New Year Right: Get Your Colonoscopy Screening
1/20/2023
Many of our resolutions for the New Year include the resolve to improve our health, generally with changes to our diets and workout routines. Preventative health and wellness screenings like colonoscopies are also an ideal way to make prolonged health and wellness changes and start the new year off right. If you have questions about colon health and are looking for help determining where to start, a colonoscopy at Digestive Health Center is a great stepping stone. Doing so could help you support optimal health when entering the next 365 days. For more information, contact one of our Ocean Springs, MS locations today.
How many individuals are affected by colon cancer annually?
Colon cancer is among the top three cancers in the United States, and early detection is among one of the primary ways to optimize your odds of survival. An estimated 50,000 people in America pass away from colon cancer each year, with the American Cancer Society determining 106,180 new cases diagnosed every year.
It’s true that colorectal cancer is common; so is preventing it. Getting a colonoscopy is an efficient way to enhance your health. This exam can help avoid and reveal colorectal cancer before its advancement into the late stages. Contact Digestive Health Center to schedule a colonoscopy and start this new year with knowing the importance of health.
Why are colon cancer screenings so important?
Colonoscopy exams are the standard method for detecting and preventing colon cancer, and understanding their importance can help you recognize the value that a colonoscopy can add to your quality of life. In simple terms, early screenings for cancer of the colon can often save your life, as colon cancer is highly treatable when found in the beginning stages.
Colorectal cancer generally generates from abnormal growths called polyps in the rectum or colon, but a colonoscopy exam can find and get rid of these growths prior to developing into colon cancer. In the case a precancerous polyp is discovered as a result of your exam, it should be relatively easy to take care of and typically can be removed at the time of the colonoscopy.
Understanding your health is an amazing gift you can give yourself this new year. When you are an enlightened and educated patient, you can make more thoughtful choices that will help throughout your lifetime.
Who is at risk for colorectal cancer?
Becoming informed about the risk factors of common medical conditions, like cancer of the colon is an important part of taking care of your health. Certain risk factors for colon cancer could have an impact on your treatment plan or how often you need to undergo colonoscopies. A few of the risk factors for colorectal cancer include:
- Minimal regular exercise
- A family background of colon cancer
- Having inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease)
- A diet consisting of low fiber and high fat or a diet of many processed meats
- A past diagnosis of colon cancer
- A diet that does not consist of enough vegetables and fruits daily
- Past radiation to your abdomen or pelvis due to a treatment for other cancers
- Use of tobacco products
Reduce your chances of cancer of the colon with changes to your diet, creating a new fitness routine, and colon cancer screenings. Establishing these routines gives you the upper hand when it comes to the health of your colon. A colonoscopy with Digestive Health Center can help you start your quest toward a new, healthy version of yourself this year.
When should I undergo a colonoscopy screening this year?
Understanding the condition of the health of your colon is better than worrying if there is possibly a problem. A standard colon cancer screening takes as little as less than an hour, meaning your screening can fit right into your day just as easily as your renewed fitness and diet routine.
The American Cancer Society (ACS) suggests that colorectal cancer screenings be performed around 45 years old for patients with a standard risk for colon cancer. If you keep optimal health and are not at risk, a colon cancer screening once every decade is generally suggested to keep you aware of the status of your colon health.
At 75 years old, colon cancer screenings are performed in relation to your health as a whole and gastroenterologist recommendations. In the case you have a personal record or family history of colon cancer or polyps, you have a significant risk of developing the condition. If you have this increased risk will need colon cancer screenings more often to defend their health.
Schedule your colonoscopy in Ocean Springs, MS today
Make knowledgeable resolutions regarding the future and begin your new year by putting your colon health into your hands. In the case you are 45 or older, are at risk due to your lifestyle, or have a family history of colon cancer, you should consider starting the new year right by scheduling a colonoscopy at Digestive Health Center. A colonoscopy only takes about an hour or less and leaves you with peace of mind that your colon health is being taken care of. In case you have more questions, feel free to address them with your colonoscopy doctor during your appointment at one of our Ocean Springs, MS locations.