We all have plenty of excuses when it’s time to take care of our health with preventive screenings.
Colon cancer is silent and often has no symptoms. That’s right — you can feel perfectly healthy, yet you can still have colon cancer.
Studies show that 60% of colorectal cancer deaths could be prevented with screenings. For this reason, it is important for you to get your screening.
The risks outweigh your excuses.
Now is the perfect time to talk to your doctor about your family history, the risks of avoiding a screening and the importance of prevention.
Recommendations for testing:
The CDC and ANMC recommend that everyone 50-75 years-old and Alaska Natives 40-75 years-old get regular Colon Cancer screenings.
Learn more about screenings:
Talk to your doctor about the best options for your screening based on risk factors, family history, personal health and locations offering each screening.
The Colonoscopy Procedure:
During a colonoscopy, a doctor utilizes a special scope to examine your colon. They look for abnormalities or disease, including colon cancer. Colonoscopies are routine procedures with few risks for complications and significant benefits in detection.
Removing Detected Polyps
During the colonoscopy, if the doctor sees something that may be abnormal, such as growths or polyps, small amounts of tissue can be removed for analysis (called a biopsy). In many cases, colonoscopy allows accurate diagnosis and treatment without the need for a major operation.
FIT Screening
Fecal Immunochemical test (FIT) uses antibodies to detect blood in the stool. This test is done yearly from a home testing kit, which you return to your local clinic where samples are checked for the presence of blood.
Call your Primary Care provider today to discuss your options for a colon cancer screening.