Colon Cancer Screening: Are There Multiple Options?
Colon cancer, as the name suggests, develops in the colon of the human body. In this health condition, abnormal colon cells divide without control and form a malignant tumor. In most cases, colorectal cancer starts with a growth in the tissue that remains on the inner surface of the colon.
Generally, lesions appear as polyps. Raised polyps are attached to the inner surface of the colon. After physical examinations, doctors may suggest colon cancer screening to see whether there is any sign of cancerous tissue.
People above 50 years predominantly have colon cancer more than any other age group. According to research, it is the third most common cancer in the United States. It is also considered the second leading cause of cancer deaths here.
Who is Prone to Colorectal Cancer?
Research has proved that adults between 65 to 74 suffer most from colon cancer. But nowadays, people are becoming more aware and getting colon cancer screening on time, preventing the high risk of cancer.
NCI’s Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results show incidents of colorectal cancer increased by 1.7% among 40- to 49-year-olds and 2.7% among 20- to 39-year-olds, but the rate decreased by 0.5% among 50- to 59-year-olds. People with a family history of colorectal cancer, obesity, excessive alcohol use, smoking, and being physically inactive are more prone to colon cancer than others.
What Are the Screening Tests to Detect Colorectal Cancer?
1. Colonoscopy
Health care providers consider colonoscopy to be the gold standard of colorectal cancer tests. The experts insert a flexible, lighted tube with a lens inside the rectum to view the entire colon. The colonoscope can also be used to remove the polyp and other abnormal growth during colonoscopy. It does not only detect cancerous tissue but also removes them.
2. Virtual
Sounds less invasive, but it is not a cancer prevention test. The health care experts can only detect cancer through this test. Remember this test does not provide any accurate result unless the polyp is less than 10mm in diameter.
3. Stool-Based Tests
In this test, the experts check the stool to detect signs of cancer. You can do these tests easily but need to do them more often.
Bid Farewell to Cancer
People get scared whenever they hear about colon cancer screening. But remember that having cancer is even scarier! Getting uncomfortable for a few hours is better than getting sick for months or years. Contact us at Screen The City in OKC to get your screening done today.
**Disclaimer: This blog content does not intend to offer a doctor’s advice and mentions no relationship between any patient and the care provider.
