The rise in cases has baffled doctors and researchers who are still trying to understand why this is only happening to this population. One explanation is that older adults, who have always been told of the risks of colorectal cancer past 50, have prioritized screenings. Early detection has allowed them to remove colorectal polyps before they become cancerous.
Now adults in their 20s to 50s need to take a chapter from their book, looking out for the signs and symptoms of colon cancer. If you want to make a difference in your risk of colorectal cancer, doctors advise avoiding this common blunder when it comes to cancer detection.
Colorectal surgeons and oncologists all agree—the worst thing you can do is miss your colon cancer screenings. With colorectal cancer possibly preventable if caught early enough, it would be a mistake to leave it up to chance.
Regular screenings are especially important as you get older, Dr. Kyle S. Eldredge, DO, a colorectal surgeon at Advanced Surgical Physicians, notes. It's even more important if you have a family history of the disease or notice signs associated with colorectal cancer, like blood in stool.
Alternatives to Colonoscopy for Colon Cancer Screenings
Colonoscopies are the gold standard for detecting possible colorectal cancer. However, if you're uncomfortable with the idea of a colonoscopy, other options are available.
Don't want a colonoscopy? Other alternative screening methods include stool tests that use antibodies or chemicals on a sample of your bowel movement to check for blood. Wise says Cologuard, a popular stool DNA test you can do at home, is less invasive.
Virtual colonoscopies use X-rays and computers to create pictures of the colon for doctors to analyze. No insertion is required, and it can be done every 5 years.
A little discomfort is better than having cancer. You may not even feel uncomfortable, considering that recent innovations have made the colonoscopy process less unpleasant.
If you do not have a history of colorectal cancer or have a high risk, the recommended age for screening is 45 years and to get one every 10 years from that point until you turn 75.
Colorectal cancer screenings are advised on a case-by-case basis for people 76 to 84. Individuals over 85 no longer require regular screenings.
What Increases the Risk of Colon Cancer?
Screening is important, but so is doing all you can to walk out of the doctor's office with a clean bill of health. Colorectal cancer risk factors fall into two categories: modifiable lifestyle factors and factors out of your control.
If you scored unlucky in the genetic lottery, the best thing you can do is get colorectal cancer screenings earlier than the recommended age of 45. As far as what you eat, experts agree that diets high in the following foods may increase your colon and colorectal cancer risk:
Red meatFried foodsPorkProcessed meatsRefined grainsSodaSugarUp Next:
Related: Eating This Food Daily Could Cut Your Risk of Colon Cancer by 20%
Sources
"Colorectal cancer facts and statistics." Colorectal Cancer Alliance."Key Statistics for Colorectal Cancer." American Cancer Society."Clinicians Struggle to Understand Dramatic Rise in Early Onset Colorectal Cancer." American College of Surgeons."Screening for Colorectal Cancer." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Kyle S. Eldredge, DO, colorectal surgeon at Advanced Surgical PhysiciansPaul Johnson, MD, a colorectal surgeon and surgical oncologist at Methodist Le Bonheur HealthcareWilliam E. Wise Jr., MD, DO, colorectal surgeon at OhioHealth"Colorectal Cancer Risk Factors." American Cancer Society."Colorectal Cancer: Screening." U.S. Preventive Services Task Force."American Cancer Society Guideline for Colorectal Cancer Screening." American Cancer Society. Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( The One Thing Doctors Who Treat Colon Cancer Say You Should Never, Ever Do )
Also on site :