Screenings, Colonoscopies, and Saving Lives
Hey there! Let’s have a chat about something that might not be at the top of your list of favorite topics: colon cancer screening. I get it, talking about your colon isn’t exactly the most glamorous conversation starter. But here’s the thing – when it comes to your health, this is one conversation you definitely want to have.
So, what’s the deal with colon cancer? Well, it’s a type of cancer that starts in the colon or rectum. And here’s the kicker – it often doesn’t show any symptoms until it’s already advanced. Scary, right? But don’t panic just yet, because there’s some good news too: when caught early, colon cancer is highly treatable. And that’s where screening comes in.
Colon cancer screening is all about catching the disease before it has a chance to wreak havoc on your health. By getting screened regularly, you give yourself the best shot at early detection, which can make all the difference in your treatment and prognosis.
Now, I know what you’re thinking – “What exactly does colon cancer screening involve?” Well, I’m glad you asked! There are a few different screening options available, and I’m here to break them down for you.
Colonoscopy: Let’s start with the big one – the colonoscopy. You’ve probably heard about this one before, and yeah, it’s kind of a big deal. During a colonoscopy, a doctor uses a long, flexible tube with a camera on the end to examine your colon and rectum for any signs of trouble. It’s considered the gold standard of colon cancer screening because it allows doctors to not only detect cancer but also to remove any precancerous polyps they find. And here’s the best part – if everything looks good, you don’t have to do it again for another 10 years. Not too shabby, right?
Stool Tests: If the thought of a colonoscopy has you breaking out in a cold sweat, don’t worry – there are other options available too. Stool tests, for example, are a less invasive way to screen for colon cancer. There are a few different types of stool tests out there, but they all basically involve collecting a small sample of your poop (yep, I said it) and sending it off to the lab for testing. It might not be the most glamorous thing to do, but hey, it could save your life.
Virtual Colonoscopy: Last but not least, we have the virtual colonoscopy. This one is a bit different from the others because it doesn’t actually involve sticking a tube anywhere uncomfortable. Instead, you get a CT scan of your colon, which allows doctors to look for any signs of trouble without the need for sedation. It’s a bit more involved than a stool test, but for some people, it’s a more palatable option.
So, those are your options when it comes to colon cancer screening. Now, I know what you’re thinking – “Do I really need to get screened?” The short answer? Yes. The slightly longer answer? Absolutely, positively, yes.
Here’s the thing – colon cancer is one of the most common types of cancer out there, especially among older adults. In fact, it’s the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States. And while it’s true that your risk of developing colon cancer increases with age, it can strike at any time – even if you’re young and healthy.
But here’s the good news – colon cancer is also one of the most preventable types of cancer, thanks to screening. When caught early, the five-year survival rate for colon cancer is over 90 percent. That’s pretty darn good if you ask me.
So, if you’re due for a colon cancer screening, don’t put it off any longer. Talk to your doctor about which screening option is right for you, and then go ahead and schedule that appointment. It might not be the most glamorous thing to do, but hey, it could save your life. And isn’t that worth it? You bet it is.