The Importance of Colon Cancer Screenings

Seeing your gastroenterologist every ten years for screenings could save your life.

Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death in both men and women in the US. While this form of cancer is highly curable when detected early on, the problem remains that most people don’t get routine colon cancer screenings. Colon cancer screenings are one of the most valuable and effective tools that our Las Vegas gastroenterologists have to be able to catch colorectal cancer early on. In fact, 60 percent of colorectal cancer deaths could be prevented with a simple screening.

Here’s what you should know about colon cancer screenings:

You should get your first colonoscopy at 50 years old

Since colon cancer is most often diagnosed between the ages of 50 to 75, these are the ages in which you should get routine colon cancer screenings. Your first colonoscopy should happen by your 50th birthday, and this goes for both men and women. If your test results come back normal, then you may not need another colonoscopy for 10 years.

You may need to get them sooner if you have risk factors

There are certain risk factors that can increase your chances of developing colorectal cancer. The biggest risk factors include:

  • A family history of colorectal cancer
  • A personal history of colorectal cancer or colon polyps
  • Having an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease

Other risk factors include:

  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Diabetes
  • Smoking
  • Heavy drinking
  • A high-fat diet
  • Older age

By making simple lifestyle modifications, you can reduce your risk of colon cancer. Talk with your gastroenterologist today for help on implementing these changes.

Colonoscopies can also diagnose common gastrointestinal problems, too

Along with finding/removing colon polyps and diagnosing colorectal cancer during its early stages, a colonoscopy may also be prescribed by one of our Las Vegas intestinal doctors if you are dealing with certain symptoms such as abdominal pain, blood in the stool, unexpected weight loss, or rectal pain. Since a colonoscopy gives us the chance to examine the lining of the lower intestines, it also allows us to find ulcers, inflammation, bleeds, and tumors.

Interested? Give us a call

If you’ve just turned 50 years old, give yourself the gift of good health and schedule your colon cancer screening at our Las Vegas gastroenterology practice. Call Comprehensive Digestive Institute of Nevada today by dialing (702) 483-4483.

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Las Vegas, NV Gastroenterology Doctor

Monday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

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Henderson, NV Gastroenterology Doctor

Monday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed