Studies suggest that exercise and abstaining from tobacco and alcohol may help decrease your risk of developing colorectal cancer. There is a known and proven way to decrease your risk of colorectal cancer, however. Colorectal cancer screening decreases your risk of cancer.
Before colorectal cancer
Colorectal cancer is far-reaching. It affects both men and women, and causes the second most cancer-related deaths in the United States. However, cancers of the colon and rectum are highly preventable.
Nearly all cases of colorectal cancer begin as precancerous polyps. These growths can be found in the colon or rectum years before colorectal cancer actually develops. It can take anywhere between ten and fifteen years for polyps to develop into cancer.
Removing these precancerous polyps can prevent rectal or colon cancer. The polyps don’t cause any symptoms, though. The only way to detect these polyps is through colorectal cancer screening.
Colorectal cancer screening saves lives
Colorectal cancer screening can greatly reduce your risk of developing colorectal cancer. There are several different tests that can be done. Some of these screenings can detect polyps, which can be removed before they develop into cancer.
Sometimes cancer develops before it is detected, but people can still benefit from colorectal cancer screenings after cancer has already developed. Screening for colorectal cancer can find cancer in its early stages when it’s still the most treatable.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends regular screening for those 50 or older. Colorectal cancer rates in young adults have increased in recent years, however. Talk to your doctor about screening options, especially if you’re at a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer.
Contact Fayetteville Diagnostic Clinic if you’re looking for a gastroenterologist in Northwest Arkansas.