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Colon cancer prevention is all about screenings. And although many people shy away from getting their colonoscopy, it鈥檚 a crucial component of taking care of your health. Experts estimate that, each year, around people die of colorectal cancer. In many cases, these deaths could have been prevented with appropriate screenings and interventions.

鈥淲e have a nickname for colon cancer: 鈥榯he silent killer,鈥欌�� says , gastroenterologist with 网曝门事件 Health Sonora. 鈥淐olon cancer starts as very small, benign growths, but if left unattended, it can have deadly consequences.鈥�

An essential part of preventive healthcare

Colon cancer screenings are essential preventive healthcare screenings鈥攖hey are just as important as mammograms, prostate exams and annual check-ups. 鈥淭he gold-standard, highest resolution method for colon cancer screening is a colonoscopy,鈥� explains Dr. Kaushal. 鈥淣ot only does a colonoscopy detect pre-cancerous polyps, but you can remove and treat them right then and there.鈥�

Some people opt for at-home colon cancer screenings, such as fecal immunochemical tests (FIT) or Cologuard庐 testing. While these tests may have lower rates of accuracy than a colonoscopy, they are another important early detection tool. 鈥淓ven though we know expert guidelines recommend colonoscopies, not everyone schedules an appointment with their gastroenterologist on their 45^th birthday,鈥� Dr. Kaushal says. 鈥淭hese at-home options are excellent for promoting awareness and making colon cancer prevention a part of the conversation with your healthcare provider.鈥�

How can I prevent colon cancer?

One of the most impactful ways you can prevent colon cancer is to talk openly with your healthcare provider about your digestive health. 鈥淭hese are not typically dinner table topics,鈥� Dr. Kaushal says. 鈥淏ut it鈥檚 really important to be forthcoming and open about any symptoms.鈥� Abdominal pain, diarrhea and rectal bleeding are all examples of changes that could indicate colorectal problems.

When it comes to lifestyle changes, the fundamentals remain the same: avoid smoking and excess drinking, exercise regularly and eat a nutritious diet. For colon health specifically, a plant-based, Mediterranean diet is best for your digestive health, while a diet high in red meat may increase your risks for colon cancer.

How bad is colonoscopy prep?

Dr. Kaushal notes that, for most people, the most dreaded part of the colonoscopy is the bowel preparation. 鈥淲e often get feedback that patients were dreading the bowel prep but found it to not be that bad,鈥� Dr. Kaushal shares. 鈥淪o many people come back to us and say, 鈥業 was nervous, but I鈥檓 really glad I got it done.鈥欌��

If your colonoscopy shows no abnormalities and you have no family history of colon cancer, you only need a colonoscopy every 10 years. If your colonoscopy does detect polyps, you will need more frequent screenings, such as every three or five years. How often you need follow-up screenings depends on the features of the polyps that were found.

鈥淚t鈥檚 an important conversation to have with your primary healthcare provider,鈥� Dr. Kaushal says. 鈥淥ur program here in Sonora is one of the best in the country when it comes to patients getting screened appropriately and for early detection of precancerous polyps. Our providers have done an exceptional job of raising awareness and helping people understand the importance of screenings.鈥�

If you need a colon cancer screening or other healthcare services, find a provider near you.