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Colon Cancer Prevention: DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENTS

Colon cancer screenings help gastroenterologists diagnose and treat colon cancer by looking at the digestive tract.

To diagnose colon cancer, your GI doctor needs to examine the rectum and anus as they look for colon polyps.  The preferred screening method is often referred to as the Gold Standard method – an endoscopic procedure known as colonoscopy. It detects colon polyps in the intestinal tract so your GI doctor can remove them when found.

According to the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, with early detection of polyps, colon cancer can be prevented.

Provide your doctor with a detailed history of colon or other cancers that run in your family. This helps your GI specialist give you a complete diagnosis and treatment plan, if needed.

Screening Methods that Detect Colon Cancer

Why is it so important to screen for colorectal cancer?  Because screening for cancer can help save lives. Consider screenings as part of your overall digestive care routine. Find a gastroenterologist who can assess your colon health because early detection helps protect your digestive health and well-being.

Here are the common screenings that can detect colon cancer.

  • Colonoscopy Screening
  • Flexible sigmoidoscopy
  • CT or virtual colonoscopy
  • Fecal immunochemical (FIT)
  • MT-sDNA (Cologuard) [Source: ASGE]

Schedule your colonoscopy screening today with one of our GI doctors.

 

Prevention Tips to Consider with Colorectal Cancer

Screenings such as colonoscopy can help prevent colon cancer by detecting abnormal cells in their early stages of growth.

Lifestyle changes may contribute to disease prevention, but there are no conclusive studies such as randomized trials that offer solid evidence about lifestyle changes and cancer prevention. More research is still needed.

Still, it’s reasonable that your doctor may encourage you to engage in healthy behaviors related to exercise and diet, which might include consumption of more fruits and vegetables– and less consumption of red meat and alcoholic beverages.

Other prevention strategies to consider—opt for a normal weight range and limit processed food consumption. [Association of Gastroenterology]