Colon Cancer Screening
A gamble with no payoff !
Each year, millions of Americans over 50 gamble with their futures by putting off the manual check for this increasingly common cancer. It's a high-stakes gamble that too many lose.
Colon cancer won't wait until you're ready to take it seriously !
Unfortunately, Colon Cancer can sometimes be a silent cancer indicating no symptoms. This makes it even more important to do the appropriate screenings based on the age indicators. However, you should still familiarize yourself with some of the more common symptoms. It is imperative to learn your family history. The whole intent of Colon Cancer awareness is to help people identify their risks and have some type of screening performed.
The American Cancer Society urges everyone over 40 to consider a colorectal screening. Once you reach 50, regular testing is strongly recommended. The urgency is greatly magnified if you exhibit any of the risk factors for Colon Cancer:
- Family history of Colon Cancer
- Colon Polyps
- Older than 60
- Rectal Bleeding
- Change of bowel habits
- Change in stool, especially pencil-like stools
- Abdominal cramps
Facts on COLON CANCER
- 55,000 Americans will die this year alone from Colon Cancer.
- Colon Cancer is now the # 2 killer among all different types of cancer.
- Research indicates that Colon Cancer screening can reduce your risk by as much as 90%.
Colorectal cancer has now become the second leading cause of death by cancer in the U.S. That's the bad news. The good news is that when the colon cancer is detected in its early stages, chances of survival are excellent - and keep getting better.
That's because dramatic medical advances in the past several years have given doctors the tools necessary to triumph over the disease. But it's not just treatment that has radically improved. Advanced technology has significantly improved the accuracy of detection of Colon Cancer as well as the comfort of available detection procedures.
Doctors at Gastroenterology Consultants of Greater Cincinnati are skilled in these advanced technologies:
Colonoscopy allows for an examination of the colon for abnormalities. If the bleeding of the lining is detected or polyps revealed, a routine Colonoscopy might be recommended.
Sigmoidoscopy allows the doctor to examine the lining of the rectum and a portion of the large bowel. If polyps are detected, a biopsy may be recommended, which takes about five minutes and is mildly uncomfortable.
These state-of-the-art technologies mean that lifesaving detection has never been more precise. But they also mean there's simply no excuse for anyone in a risk population to rely on that old-fashioned, discredited technique: wishful thinking.
A comfort zone for discussion of uncomfortable topics
The doctors of Gastroenterology Consultants of Greater Cincinnati never lose sight of the fact that colorectal detection and treatment can be difficult to discuss. Our entire staff is not only knowledgeable about this disease, but compassionate in their approach to helping you through any procedure. Our doctors give full attention to all your questions about screening, risk factors, or treatments.
Undetected Colon Cancer can end your life, but one quick exam could save it. It's that simple.
Join us in preventing and fighting Colon Cancer by contacting your primary care physician or our offices today to see how you can protect yourself from this disease.
Help us put a stop to Colon Cancer.
Tell a friend what you have learned and encourage them to do the same.
Complete the following questions to help identify your own risks for Colon Cancer. Upon completion of this exam, if you fall in the high or average risk category, please contact your Primary Care Physician or our office.