According to the American Cancer Society, doctors in the United States diagnosed over 95,000 new cases of colon cancer and almost 
40,000 cases of rectal cancer in 2017. These staggering numbers make colon cancer screenings to catch this condition at its earliest and most treatable stages more important than ever. Learn more about colon cancer screenings with Dr. Anubha Sinha at Hunterdon Digestive Health Specialists with locations in Flemington, NJ and Hillsborough, NJ.
Who is at risk for colorectal cancer?
One of the biggest risk factors for colorectal cancer is simply getting older. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 90% of colorectal cancer cases occur in individuals over the age of 50. A family history of cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, and lifestyle choices like alcohol or tobacco use, a poor diet which lacks an adequate amount of fruits and vegetables, and being overweight or obese also put someone at a higher risk of colorectal cancer.
When should I start having colon cancer screenings?
Colorectal cancer usually begins as noncancerous polyps found in the colon. These polyps are easily detectable with a colon cancer screening. This screening, which involves a long, thin tube with a camera on the end. This tube, called a colonoscope, allows your doctor to see inside the colon and visually find polyps. Doctors recommend beginning regular colon cancer screenings at the age of 50.
Colon Cancer Screenings in Flemington, NJ and Hillsborough, NJ
If you are at risk for colon cancer, regular colon cancer screenings can save your life. These screenings are an important part of finding and catching the condition in its earliest, precancerous stages. This leads to effective treatment and prevention, stopping the condition in its tracks and allowing you to get back to your normal life, cancer-free. Doctors recommend starting screening colonoscopy at age 50 in average-risk patients. Average risk African American patients are recommended at age 45.
For more information on colorectal cancer or its diagnosis, please contact Dr. Anubha Sinha at Hunterdon Digestive Health Specialists with locations in Flemington, NJ and Hillsborough, NJ. Call (908) 788-8200 to schedule your appointment at either of the two locations today!