Colorectal polyps and colorectal cancer don’t always cause symptoms. That’s why getting screened regularly is important. In Florida, about 25 percent of people who should be tested, have not been.
Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death in both men and women. Early diagnosis increases the survival rate by 90 percent. Cases of colon cancer are increasing in persons under 50, which was the previous age to start screening.
“Age 50 was when it was recommended to get your first colonoscopy, but now a number of our boards that make those recommendations are moving that back to 45,” said Dr. Thomas Johnson, Oncologist and Hematologist at Ascension Sacred Heart Cancer Center - Lynn Haven in his interview with WMBB.
Screening can often find colorectal cancer early when it's more treatable. Regular screening can even prevent colorectal cancer. A polyp can take as many as 10 to 15 years to develop into cancer. With screening, doctors can find and remove polyps before they turn into cancer.
If you have an increased risk of getting colon cancer, talk to your doctor about when to start screening. Risk factors include having a personal or family history of colon cancer or polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, or a genetic syndrome.
After your first colonoscopy, your doctor will decide how often you need a screening. Most people will only need to be screened every 10 years.
If you experience symptoms such as a change in bowel habits or blood in your stool, you should speak to your doctor. You may need a diagnostic colonoscopy.
