Colorectal cancer is a type of cancer that is actually highly treatable if caught in its early stages, and the best way to do this is with an early colon cancer screening. Age and family history all play a factor in when you should schedule a colon cancer screening, some of the key reasons will be covered below but to learn much more please get in contact with Southern Gastroenterology Specialists (SGS) in Stockbridge, Locust Grove, Riverdale, and Jackson, GA.
When You Should Schedule a Colon Cancer Screening
For most people, colon cancer screenings are recommended beginning at age 45 according to the CDC, although if you have a history of colon cancer in your family your doctor may suggest an earlier date. There are different types of screening tests, but the most typically discussed is a colonoscopy, which is recommended every 10 years. But after the age of 75 other screening tests may be the better option.
Don't Wait on Symptoms
Colon cancer can result in drastic changes to bowel habits, causing either diarrhea or constipation. It could cause blood in stool and sudden weight loss as the most noticeable signs of the condition.
But what makes screenings so important is that in the early stages of colon cancer there may be no symptoms, so waiting for these is waiting for the condition to become much more advanced and difficult to treat.
What Is a Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy involves the use of a special tiny camera that is attached to the end of a flexible tube, the entire device is called a colonoscope. It can examine the colon for abnormalities and growths, called polyps. Although it's not the case for all of them, some of these can eventually become cancerous so removing them at this stage can prevent colorectal cancer from developing.
Colon Cancer Screening in Stockbridge, Locust Grove, Riverdale, and Jackson, GA
To schedule a colon cancer screening in Stockbridge, Locust Grove, Riverdale, and Jackson, GA, with Southern Gastroenterology Specialists (SGS) you can dial (770) 692-0100.