Colon Cancer Screening: Considering the Options and Timings
Millions of people get affected by colorectal cancer every year. Most of these cases can be lethal and cause death. That is why it is better to take precautions to prevent this life-threatening disease from happening. Consult your doctor and take regular colon cancer screenings once they recommend you. This way, you would be notified about the chances of having cancer way before it actually affects you. Naturally, the chances of you defeating this disease will also increase.
When to Start Colon Cancer Screenings?
Cancer is a disease that we do not know much about. That is why it is wise to go to the doctor if you wish to know the best time to get started with the screenings. But if you want a rough number, we can say once you are over 45 or 50, you might need to get started with the screening. The more you age after that, the higher your chances of getting colon cancer. After a certain age, screening also becomes difficult. It is wise to get it at a young age.
The Different Options for Screening
There are several methods that medical professionals use for detecting colorectal cancer. All of these methods are useful and considered by doctors for several reasons. Let us find out about some of these methods.
Colonoscopy
The most popular method for detecting colorectal cancer is colonoscopy screening. In this method, the medical professionals insert a scope through the patient's bowel to see his/her insides. There are two key benefits of this method.
The scope used to look into the colon can also be used to remove the polyps from the colon.
Colonoscopy screening can locate even some of the smallest polyps in the colon. As a result, the patients learn about the chances of malignancy way before it occurs.
Stool Test
The concept of stool test is very simple; the medical lab collects a sample of the stool of the patients. After that, they analyze that sample to find out if the person has malignancy. The main advantage of this method is that you do not need any external preparations for the test. Not just that, the stool sample also can be collected from anywhere. So you will not have to skip work or studies to get the screening done.
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
The process of flexible sigmoidoscopy is similar to that of colonoscopy screening to some extent. But the main difference between the two processes is that this method only lets the doctors have a look at your rectum and the bottom end of your colon. Because of that, the scope does not need to be entered very deep into the body. So the process of screening becomes faster and less painful.
Choose Your Methods from Screen the City
Has your doctor recommended you to get started with your screenings? Contact Screen the City now and get your colon cancer screening in OKC. Our equipment and facilities are up to date, and the results of our tests are also accurate. That is why so many doctors prefer us over other service providers.
**Disclaimer: This blog content does not intend to offer a doctor’s advice and mentions no relationship between any patient and the care provider.
