15Getting tested for colon cancer
People with a family history of colon cancer should have their stool sample tested every other year at the least, especially once they cross the age of 50 years. A sedentary lifestyle, heavy smoking or drinking, obesity and type 2 diabetes are all high-risk factors for developing this disease.
Colorectal cancer begins with polyps in the colon. They are not considered cancerous unless they continue growing past 1 centimeter in diameter. In such cases, the polyps may be removed surgically since they raise the possibility of intestinal cancer developing in the future.
Regular screening is the only way to arrest the spread of such growths in a timely manner. Several types of tests can be used to check for colorectal cancers.
1. Tests for finding colorectal polyps and cancer: These tests examine the structure of the colon to find abnormal areas and are performed either with a scope inserted into the rectum or with imaging tests. These cover colonoscopy, CT colonography, flexible sigmoidoscopy and double-contrast barium enema
2. Non-invasive tests for detecting colon cancer: Testing the stool for signs of cancer are preferred by many because of how non-invasive they are. These include fecal immunochemical tests, stool DNA tests and guaiac-based fecal occult blood tests.
Early detection is the magic word
Timely detection of colon cancer gives patients the option of surgery, radiation and/or chemotherapy to treat the disease. Don’t be hesitant to ask your physician for a test if you’re experiencing some of the symptoms mentioned in our list. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Foods That Are Linked To Cancer – You might already know that eating junk food is a major risk factor for cancer. But there are a lot of health foods and diet products which also have carcinogens hiding in them.
Silent Signs Of Lung Cancer That May Surprise You – If your cough is deeper and hoarse-sounding or you’re coughing up unusually large amounts of mucus or you notice a change in your voice, then check for these 14 silent symptoms of lung cancer noted below.
