South Triangle News

The ‘80s and ‘90s are remembered for iconic films like "Thelma & Louise," "Forrest Gump," and "Titanic." If these movies were part of your teenage years, it might be time to consider a different kind of screening—a colonoscopy. March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, making it an opportune moment to schedule this important health check.

A colonoscopy can detect colorectal cancer early when treatment success rates are highest. It also helps find polyps that can be removed before they become cancerous. The American Cancer Society recommends starting screenings at age 45, with earlier or more frequent tests for those at higher risk.

"Whether you begin at 45 or earlier if you’re at higher risk, the most important thing is to prioritize this vital screening when you reach the recommended age."

Colorectal cancer ranks as the third most common cancer in both men and women, excluding skin cancers. It is also the third leading cause of cancer deaths among both genders. While most cases occur in individuals over 50, the disease can affect any age group.

Fortunately, colonoscopies are less daunting than many expect. Medications provided shortly before the procedure help minimize discomfort. Many patients find it so tolerable that they often ask when it will start only to learn it's already underway. During the roughly 30-minute procedure, doctors remove any polyps found and send tissue samples for biopsy.

Colonoscopies play a crucial role in early diagnosis since initial stages of colorectal cancer often lack symptoms. Early detection through colonoscopy makes treatment easier and has contributed significantly to declining incidence and death rates from colorectal cancers over the past decade—though these declines mainly benefit older adults. Rates have been rising by one to two percent annually among those under 50 since the mid-1990s.

While early-stage colorectal cancer may not show symptoms, there are some signs people should watch for according to the American Cancer Society:

"While these symptoms can also be indicative of other health conditions, you should always talk to your doctor about them so he or she can help you get to the root of the issue and determine the underlying cause."

In addition to scheduling a colonoscopy and monitoring symptoms, adopting a healthy lifestyle helps prevent colon cancer: regular exercise, balanced diet, maintaining healthy weight limits on alcohol intake along with quitting smoking all contribute positively towards prevention efforts.

March being National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month encourages '80s kids especially towards better understanding their own colonic health status now more than ever before; contact Central Carolina Hospital via phone number provided (880)483-6385 or visit Colon Health | Colonoscopy & Early Detection webpage today! More information available online through https://www.cancer.org/cancer/colon