As one of the most common forms of cancer for American men and women, colon cancer affects tens of thousands of people each year.
This particular type of cancer takes a significant amount of time to develop, which is why it is so important to receive regular colon cancer screenings. A quick diagnosis and treatment process could mean the difference between life or death of a patient.
Who is at Risk?
According to the American Cancer Society, roughly 1 in 22 men and 1 in 24 women are at risk of developing colon cancer at some point in their lifetime. Additional contributors to this cancer include:
Obesity- Smoking
- Alcohol use
- Being of a mature age, though rates of colon cancer cases for patients under the age of 50 have recently been rising
- Patient history of inflammatory bowel disease
- Family history of colon cancer or related conditions
About Colon Cancer Screenings
Typically, the preferred method for checking the health of the colon is to perform a colonoscopy. These procedures are recommended to be completed every 10 years, with the possibility of increased frequency if the patient has a higher chance of developing colon cancer.
Because a colonoscopy is not a particularly pleasant experience for many patients, they often make the excuse that they do not have the time to be screened for colon cancer. This is one of the riskiest things that an individual can do for themselves.
It is not worth your life to gamble on colon cancer. By attending regular screenings, you can greatly reduce your risk of developing a severe case of colon cancer, which can easily save your life.
Schedule a Screening Today
If you are due for a colon cancer screening, or wish to learn more about these important check-ups, please call Northwest Medical Specialties at (253) 428-8700 to request an appointment.