3 Ways to Help Prevent Colon Cancer
Cancer of the colon and rectum is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. It’s the third leading overall cause of death among men and the fourth among women. Factors that increase your risk for colon cancer include a high intake of fatty foods, a family history of colorectal cancer and the presence of polyps, a fleshy growth on the inside of the intestines. Eating a low-fat, high-fiber diet and getting regular physical exercise are the two most important preventative steps.
There are no symptoms for colon cancer during the early stages of the disease, when treatment is most effective. Fortunately, there are several screening tests that can detect the disease early enough for successful treatment.
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
With this screening exam, a flexible viewing instrument is inserted into the rectum to view the lower part of the colon. A sigmoidoscopy is not as comprehensive an examination as a colonoscopy. It is often given to determine the cause of rectal bleeding or persistent diarrhea or constipation.
Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)
This test detects blood that may be hidden in your stool, which can be an early sign of colon cancer. The test is easy and can be performed at home, but it does not detect colon cancer as accurately as other screening tests.
Colonoscopy
Aside from making lifestyle changes, the most important step you can take to prevent colon cancer is to have a colonoscopy every five years starting at the age of 50. During a colonoscopy, a doctor inserts a flexible fiber optic camera to examine the entire length of the colon and checks for polyps, tumors and areas of inflammation. The physician can also remove polyps that otherwise might develop into cancer. Although a colonoscopy is the most effective screening test for colorectal cancer, it does require you to take a laxative solution the day before the test. A colonoscopy usually takes 30 to 60 minutes. There’s no need to be embarrassed. A colonoscopy is performed in a private area, and most people don’t remember the procedure because a general anesthetic is used.
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