Keeping Your Colon Healthy By Undergoing A Colonoscopy Procedure
Posted on: 30 April 2019
Colon cancer is called the silent killer, and it is a pretty sneaky cancer condition. You don't experience any symptoms for months or, in some cases, years. So you go along enjoying your life and having fun doing so. The most obvious symptom is bloody stool or diarrhea, and you should never ignore those symptoms. Other symptoms to look out for include dark or narrow stools, diarrhea or constipation, abdominal cramps, anemia, constant fatigue, and even unexplained weight loss. Since you can have colon cancer for years without showing any signs or symptoms, scientists conducted research studies to learn more about this disease and how to diagnose and treat it. The scientific conclusion is that colorectal cancer can be prevented by way of early diagnosis and regular screening.
The Science Behind Colonoscopy Testing
Colorectal polyps are not uncommon in adults and are generally harmless. Other polyps known as adenomas can become cancerous. Your gastroenterologist surgeon recognizes and removes polyps during a colonoscopy procedure. He or she uses a flexible lit tube to examine your colon and rectum. When cancers or adenomas are not found during a colonoscopy procedure and your risk is not high for colon cancer, your chance of developing colon cancer remains low for the next 10 years. That analysis is based on the fact that colon cancer grows slowly. So the test accurately establishes when you will need another colonoscopy test. If the test finds cancerous adenomas, however, they will be excised during your colonoscopy procedure.
Confirm Your Testing Periods
Confirm with your gastroenterologist how often you should have a colonoscopy if you suffer from inflammatory bowel disease and have a history of high-risk adenomas or have a parent or sibling who had adenomas or colorectal cancer in the past. Also note that after you reach age 75, routine checks are no longer needed.
Avoiding Development Of Colon Cancer
You can take steps as a young adult, and even if you are older too, to make changes in your lifestyle. Eat healthy diets including plenty of fruits and vegetables. Cut back on consuming red meats and processed meat. Quit smoking and consumption of alcohol. Exercising every day is a good habit to practice. The best exercise that benefits your entire body is walking. Visit a facility that has an outdoor track. Walk at your own pace and complete 6 laps of walking or running there, which is the equivalent of three miles. Each time you go around the track, the starting point board tells you how many miles you completed.
For more information, reach out to a clinic such as Pilipshen Colon & Rectal Surgical Services.
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