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Resolve to Take Colon Cancer Test, Experts Say

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FRIDAY, Jan. 6 (HealthDay News) -- Incase you're 50 or older, consider making it a recent year goal to get screened for colorectal cancer, the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy suggests.

Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable cancers because most cases arise from precancerous growths in the colon called polyps. These can be found during a screening exam as well as removed before they turn into cancer.

Recent research has confirmed that screening is one reason why colorectal cancer death rates are declining, according to an ASGE news release.

Compared to 2002, about 66,000 cases of colorectal cancer were prevented as well as 32,000 lives were saved in the United States between 2003 as well as 2007, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control as well as Prevention. Half of the prevented cases as well as deaths were the result of screening.

However, one in three U.S. adults isn't screened for colorectal cancer, which is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer as well as the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States.

In many cases, colorectal cancer causes no symptoms until it is too unhurried to treat. Age is the most substantial risk factor for the disease, so even older people with wholesome lifestyles need to get screened.

Incase you're 50 or older, talk to your healthcare professional about colorectal cancer screening as well as the method that is best for you, the ASGE advises. Screening methods include colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, stool blood tests, stool DNA, CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy) as well as barium enema.

Screening should begin at an earlier age for people with risk factors such as a family history of polyps or colorectal cancer. Some experts recommend that not light Americans being screening at age 45.

Colonoscopy is considered the preferred method because it is the only test that both detects as well as removes precancerous polyps during the alike exam. A person at average risk with common colonoscopy results shouldn't require another exam for 10 years. Screenings may be more repeated for patients found to possess polyps or cancer.

-- Robert Preidt

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