Start This New Year in Good Health: Have Your Colonoscopy Now
1/20/2023
For many of us, our goals for the New Year incorporate the decision to focus on our health, often with changes to our eating habits and workout routines. Proactive health and wellness exams, such as colon cancer screenings, can also be a great way to make prolonged health and wellness changes, heading into the new year with a bang. If you're wondering about colon health and want help knowing where to start, a colonoscopy exam at Specialists in Gastroenterology is a perfect stepping stone. This first step can help you support optimal health when entering the new year. Contact one of our St. Louis, MO locations to learn more.
How many people are impacted by colon cancer annually?
Colon cancer is among the top three cancers in the United States, and early detection is one of the primary ways to optimize your odds of survival. About 50,000 people in the United States die from colorectal cancer annually, with the American Cancer Society estimating 106,180 diagnoses each year.
While colon cancer is common, so is its prevention. A colonoscopy exam is an effective way to enhance your wellness. This exam may help defend against and catch colon cancer before its advancement into the late stages. Reach out to Specialists in Gastroenterology to schedule a colonoscopy in St. Louis, MO and start this year knowing the importance of health.
Why is screening for colorectal cancer so imperative?
Colonoscopies are the gold standard for colon cancer detection and prevention, and understanding why can help you recognize how they can enhance the quality of your life. Ultimately, early screenings for colorectal cancer save lives, as colorectal cancer is treatable when found in the beginning stages.
Colon cancer generally is formed from abnormal growths called colon polyps. However, a colon cancer screening can detect and remove these growths before they develop into colorectal cancer. If a precancerous growth is detected at the time of your screening, it is likely highly treatable and often removed at the same time we complete your colon cancer screening.
Understanding your health is the best gift you can give yourself this year. When you are an enlightened and educated patient, you can make informed resolutions that can help for life.
Who is at risk for colorectal cancer?
Part of adding reasonable shifts to maintain your health begins with learning about your chances of common medical issues, such as colorectal cancer. Certain risks for colon cancer may impact your treatment or how often you need to undergo colon cancer screenings. A few, but not all, of the factors for colorectal cancer include:
- Familial history of colon cancer
- An inadequate diet of vegetables and fruits daily
- Lack of regular exercise
- Having IBD (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis)
- Prior radiation to your stomach or pelvic area due to treatment for other cancers
- Smoking
- A high-fiber, low-fat diet or a diet incorporating processed meat
- A personal history of cancer of the colon
You may be able to prevent colorectal cancer with changes to your diet, a new exercise program, and colonoscopies. Introducing these habits will give you more control regarding your colon health. A colonoscopy with the Specialists in Gastroenterology team can help you develop a healthier version of yourself this year.
When should I have a colonoscopy this year?
Knowing the health status of your colon is better than worrying if there is a problem. A regular colonoscopy can take as little as 15 minutes, meaning you should be able to find an appointment right into your schedule just as easily as your new workout routine.
The American Cancer Society (ACS) advises that colonoscopy exams be performed at age 45 for people at average risk. If you maintain peak health and wellness and you are not at risk, a colonoscopy once every ten years is good enough to keep you aware of your colon health.
Around the age of 75, colon cancer screenings are typically performed in relation to your general health and at the suggestion of your gastroenterologist. In the case you have a personal or familial history of colon cancer or polyps, you have a significant risk for colon cancer. Individuals in this risk category will need to have screenings more often to defend their health.
Schedule a colonoscopy in St. Louis, MO right away
Make informed resolutions regarding the future and begin the new year by placing your colon health into your own hands. In the case you’re 45 years old or older, are at greater risk for colon cancer due to your lifestyle, or have a family history of colon cancer, you should consider starting the new year with a colonoscopy at Specialists in Gastroenterology. This exam can give you peace of mind that your colon health is on the right track. Contact any of our St. Louis, MO locations to schedule your colonscopy.