Colon Cancer Prevention: What You Can Do Starting Today

Maybe a colonoscopy isn’t at the top of your to-do list, but it should be. Undergoing a colonoscopy is the number one defense men and women have against colon cancer – a highly preventable cancer that can be effectively treated or avoided with early detection via a colonoscopy.

Many individuals put off having a colonoscopy or avoid it entirely because they worry that it will be awkward or even painful, but this simply is not true. At the Center for Colonoscopy Excellence (CCE), our trained physicians require only 15-20 minutes to perform the procedure, and you will not wake up until the colonoscopy is complete.

During a colonoscopy, the GI physicians of CCE will carefully examine your large intestine (colon). Your doctor will be looking for any abnormalities or growths that could possibly indicate cancerous or precancerous tissue. This is a very important benefit of the colonoscopy procedure as no other screening method, including the less-advised virtual colonoscopy, is as effective at providing doctors with a full scope of your colon and any potential anomalies. Catching polyps during a colonoscopy is the best way to prevent colon cancer, as these can be removed before becoming cancerous if deemed necessary by your doctor.

Avoiding a colonoscopy is actually nonsensical when you think about it. Colonoscopies are recommended for men and women age 50 and older, but they are also recommended for those who are at a higher risk for colon cancer, such as those with a personal or familial history of this type of cancer, colon polyps or other cancers. CCE has provided a thorough list of those who are at an increased risk for colon cancer which you can view here. We’ve also created a colon cancer risk assessment quiz which you can take in the privacy and convenience of your own home and later discuss your results with your doctor if you find you may be at a higher risk.

There are a lot of things we can’t prevent in life – many diseases and illnesses cannot be helped, accidents happen from time to time, and we will all grow older – but colon cancer is a disease which medical science can predict and prevent through appropriate screening. Schedule your CCE colonoscopy today and be proactive about your healthcare.