With over 100,000 diagnoses each year, colon cancer is the second highest cause of cancer deaths in the United States. 50,000 people die of the disease each year. The goal of colon cancer education is to inform patients about their risk and encourage those at risk to get checked.
One way to reduce the danger of colon cancer is to know who is susceptible. Since the vast majority of patients are over 50 years of age, it is essential for those patients to be aware of the national screening guidelines. These guidelines include having a first colonoscopy by age 50. African Americans, however, should have their first colonoscopy by 45. Those with a family history of colon cancer should be screened 10 years in advance of the age at which their relative was diagnosed.
Following these screening guidelines can help doctors find precancerous polyps and remove them before they become cancerous. Screening tests can also catch colon cancer early, which dramatically improves the success rate for treatment. Colon cancer has a 95% survivor rate when caught early.
To schedule your colonoscopy today, visit our contact page or call us at the Colonoscopy Center of Excellence. Our number is 888.837.0459.
Who Is At Risk for Colon Cancer?
Those who are higher risk for developing colon cancer include people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), those with a family history of colon cancer or polyps, and those with certain genetic conditions. While it is possible for anyone to get colon cancer, men are at a slightly higher risk than women. Those of African descent are also at a higher risk than people from other ethnic groups.
Symptoms of Colon Cancer
Because precancerous polyps and colon cancer don’t always result in symptoms, it is important to get checked. However, some symptoms that patients may experience include:
- Stomach pain or cramps
- Unexplained weight loss
- Blood in stool
If you experience these symptoms it is best to stay safe and get checked out.
Preventing Colon Cancer
La Peer Health Systems is dedicated to spreading the word about the risks of colon cancer and the methods of detecting and preventing it. As an outpatient surgery center in Beverly Hills, La Peer is a leader in providing world-class colorectal surgery. You can schedule a colonoscopy for Colon Cancer Awareness Month by calling the Colonoscopy Center of excellent today. Or fill out our online contact form.