Colorectal cancer is completely preventable and it starts with a colonoscopy.
Think that you’re not at risk for colorectal cancer? Think again. In fact, colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in both men and women in the US. While incidence rates are usually higher for older adults; unfortunately, more young people are also developing colorectal cancer. Read on to learn more about the risk factors for colorectal cancer and when you should turn to our Encino, CA, gastroenterologists, Dr. Mordo Suchov and Dr. Alan Naim, for a colonoscopy.
Did You Just Turn 50 Years Old?
If so, then you should start receiving regular colorectal cancer screenings. After all, the CDC says that up to 60 percent of colon cancer deaths could have been prevented with the proper screening, and a colonoscopy is the most effective tool our Encino, CA, GI doctors have for diagnosing colorectal cancer early.
A Colonoscopy Can Save Lives
This screening tool helps our GI team detect and remove precancerous polyps, as well as to detect colorectal cancer during the early stages when it is curable. Healthy adults who have a moderate risk for colorectal cancer should come in for their first colonoscopy at 50 years old. If the results are normal they should come in every 10 years for screenings until they reach 75 years old.
Colorectal Cancer Has Risk Factors
It’s important to understand your risk of developing colorectal cancer. After all, some of these risk factors could be reversed through lifestyle changes. Some factors include:
- Smoking
- Being obese
- Being inactive or sedentary
- Eating a diet that is high in red and processed meats
- Age
- Family history of colon cancer
- Personal history of colon polyps
- Inflammatory bowel disease (e.g. Crohn’s disease; ulcerative colitis)
Patients with a family history of colon cancer, a personal history of polyps or several risk factors will want to talk with their gastroenterologist about whether they should come in more often for routine colon cancer screenings.
Concerned? Give Us a Call
Need to schedule your next routine colonoscopy? If so, our Encino, CA, GI team would be happy to schedule a time and day that works best for you. Turn to Gastroenterology Associates of Southern California to get the proper screenings and care you need to prevent colorectal cancer from happening to you. Call us today at (818) 905-1567.