Eating the right foods and maintaining an active lifestyle can help, but
regular screening and testing are the best ways to catch colon cancer
before it’s too late. After age 40, it is necessary to have regular
colorectal screenings and conversations about family history with a doctor.
By age 50, colonoscopies should take place every 10 years. If the chances
are higher that colorectal cancer could be developed because of heredity,
a physician might recommend colonoscopies prior to the age of 50.
Age and the presence of inflammatory bowel disease increase the risk of
contracting this type of cancer. During screenings, doctors may find polyps
or growths that can eventually become colorectal cancer. In the event
cancer is found during a test or screening, it is important to remember
that over 90 percent of people who found the cancer early – survived,
according to the 2009 SEER Cancer Statistics Review from The National
Cancer Institute.
Every case is different, and consulting a doctor about individual needs
is essential to maintaining proper health and reducing the risk of colorectal
cancer. Regular screenings, a healthy diet and normal exercise are the
keys that will help keep colorectal cancer at bay.
For more information on reducing the risk of colon cancer or to setup an
appointment with Dr. Jacques Moua, call Catawba Valley Family Medicine
at 828/256-2112.