Doctors Stress the Importance of Getting a Colonoscopy

Colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States for men and women. This disease is preventable and usually does not present symptoms until it is too late.

There are a variety of ways to be screened for colon cancer if a colonoscopy is not possible, including a yearly FIT screening (stool test), Cologuard (an every 1-3 year stool DNA test), flexible sigmoidoscopy (using a camera to look at the last third of the colon and rectum).

However, “colonoscopies are the gold standard,” says Dr. Leberer.  During the procedure, doctors actually use a camera to look inside the patient’s colon. This technology allows them to search for cancer and other abnormalities that can lead to it. The test can locate polyps throughout the entire colon and remove them as soon as they’ve been identified.

A colonoscopy is generally performed every three to ten years, depending on how many polyps are found and your family history. It’s that simple. This single procedure can help detect, treat, and prevent colon cancer.

Incidence of Colon Cancer in Young People

Traditionally thought of as a disease that skewed toward older populations, colon cancer diagnoses are on the rise in younger people, specifically those under the age of 50.

Unsurprisingly, screening recommendations are evolving to match this trend. While 50 has been the age suggested to start routine screening for colon cancer, the American Cancer Society has shifted its guidelines for screening to begin at 45 years old. Other organizations have followed suit.

Colon cancer also disproportionately affects people of color when compared to their white counterparts. Specifically, rates of diagnosis and death from colon cancer are highest among African Americans than other ethnic groups.