This simple diagnostic procedure could save your life.
Once you reach a certain age, your doctor may recommend getting a colonoscopy. This procedure is one of the most effective tools our St. Thomas surgeons have for screening against colorectal cancer. With colorectal cancer being the third most common cancer in the US, all men and women must get routine colonoscopies by the time they turn 45 years old.
What are the risk factors for colorectal cancer?
Certain risk factors can increase your chances of developing colorectal cancer. Some of these risk factors include,
- Older age
- Family history of colorectal cancer or colon polyps
- A personal history of colon polyps
- Inflammatory bowel disease (e.g. Crohn’s disease; ulcerative colitis)
- Certain genetic syndromes
- A sedentary lifestyle
- A low-fiber and highly processed diets
- Being overweight or obese
- Tobacco
- Alcohol consumption
While there are certain risk factors that you can’t change such as age or family history, there are certain lifestyle factors that you can modify to improve your health and reduce your risk. Talk with our St. Thomas doctors about quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, and improving your fitness routine and diet to reduce your risk.
How often should I get a colonoscopy?
The American Cancer Society recommends those at average risk for colorectal cancer start getting screened by age 45 (this goes for both men and women). An average risk means that you don’t have a personal history of colorectal cancer or polyps, a family history of colorectal cancer, a family history of inflammatory bowel disease, or a genetic syndrome that could increase your risk for colorectal cancer.
Most healthy individuals will only need to get screened every 10 years until age 75. From age 76 onwards our team will discuss whether it’s necessary to continue to screen you based on your health and screening history.
Why might my doctor recommend a colonoscopy?
Besides being of age to start getting routine colonoscopies, there are other reasons why our team of surgeons here in St. Thomas may recommend this procedure. A colonoscopy can be used to,
- Pinpoint the cause of abdominal pain, chronic constipation and diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and other gastrointestinal issues
- Remove colon polyps
- Stop intestinal bleeds
- Widen a blockage or narrowed area of the intestinal tract
Whether you’ve just turned 45 years old, or you are experiencing digestive issues that aren’t going away, call Paragon Surgical Center at (340) 715-7874 to schedule your next appointment.