Colon cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers in the U.S., with an estimated 103,170 new cases reported each year. However, with lifestyle modification and preventative colonoscopy screenings, you can actually do a lot to reduce your risk of ever developing colon cancer. Colon cancer treatments possess a very high success rate if it is caught in the early stages. This makes colon cancer prevention extremely important, and is why a colonoscopy every year is necessary.
At the Colonoscopy Center of Excellence, our physicians are focused on providing excellent patient care along side the most cutting edge colonoscopy techniques available. It is our goal to help you reduce your risk of colon cancer through proper colon cancer screening. If you’re concerned about colon cancer, or your colorectal health, the most important thing you can do is schedule an appointment with the experienced colorectal surgeons and gastroenterologists at the La Peer Health Systems Colonoscopy Center of Excellence.
To keep you and your loved ones healthy, participate in colon cancer prevention by learning about the risk factors associated with colon cancer. To learn more about colon cancer prevention, please visit the Colorectal Cancer Prevention page by the National Cancer Institute.
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Know Your Colon Cancer Risk Factors
It is possible for anyone to develop colon cancer at some point in his or her lifetime. However, some people are at a higher risk of developing this cancer than others. Knowing colon cancer risk factors can help you make important lifestyle changes to reduce your chances of getting colon cancer in the future. In addition, knowing the facts and statistics about colon cancer can help patients understand the importance of preventative colon cancer screenings.
In general, men have a slightly elevated risk of getting colon cancer compared to women. Among ethnic groups, African Americans are more likely to develop the disease. Although people can develop colon cancer at any age, those over the age of 50 are at a higher risk. For this reason, our Beverly Hills-based team, in accordance with the American Cancer Society, recommends that healthy individuals with normal risk factors for colon cancer still undergo their first colonoscopy at age 50 and follow-up screenings every 10 years.
Find Out Your Family History of Colon Cancer
If you’re concerned about colon cancer, we suggest you investigate your family history. According to the National Cancer Institute, genetics play a significant role in the development of the disease. In fact, people whose immediate family members (parents, siblings or children) were diagnosed with colon cancer have twice the risk of developing colorectal cancer themselves. For this reason, the GI and colorectal teams at Colonoscopy Center of Excellence recommend that those individuals with a family history of colon cancer begin colon cancer screenings, a colonoscopy, 10 years prior to the relative ‘s age of diagnosis.
To schedule your colon cancer screening with an one of our expert physicians, call us at .
Preventing Colon Cancer: Alter Your Diet and Lifestyle
As is the case with most cancers, it is possible for anyone to develop colon cancer at some point in his or her lifetime. However, making changes to your diet and lifestyle now can drastically reduce your risk of developing colon cancer in the future.
Obesity has been linked to an increased risk of developing colon cancer, as well as a higher chance of dying from the disease. Modifying your diet and exercising regularly now can help guard against future colorectal problems.
It’s also important to minimize your intake of alcohol, as imbibing three or more glasses daily can put you at a higher risk for developing the disease. Smoking cigarettes has also been linked to colorectal cancers.
The team of physicians at the Colonoscopy Center of Excellence, lead by it’s directors, Dr. Mehdizadeh and Dr. Nowain, provides every patient with comprehensive and compassionate care. If you’re concerned that your lifestyle may be putting you at an elevated risk for developing colon cancer, don’t hesitate to speak to one of our board-certified specialists.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I develop colon cancer if a family member has been diagnosed?
A variety of factors including genetics, diet and overall health conditions affect your risk of developing colon cancer. If you have a family history of colon cancer, the most important thing you can do is schedule a screening with an experienced colon doctors. A colonoscopy or a biopsy can help a gastroenterologist determine your individual risk factor for colon cancer.
Do colonoscopies really aid in colon cancer prevention?
Yes! A colonoscopy is both a diagnostic and preventative treatment, in that it enables surgeons to remove
pre-cancerous polyps before they develop into cancer.
If you think you may be at risk of colon cancer, or if you’re concerned about your colorectal health, don’t hesitate to contact our GI team.
See a Colon Cancer Specialist
When diagnosed early, colon cancer treatments have a high success rate. That’s why our GI and colorectal team recommends regular screenings for colon cancer prevention. Not only is a colonoscopy one of the most effective ways to screen for colorectal cancer, but it is also a preventative treatment. During a colonoscopy, the surgeon can find and remove polyps, or pre-cancerous growths that can lead to colon cancer in the future.
If you are due for a colonoscopy, don’t hesitate to contact our board-certified colon doctors at the Colonoscopy Center for Excellence today for a consultation by calling .
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