Since March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month, it is a good time to remind ourselves of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendations to start screening for colorectal cancer at age 50 and continue until age 75.
There are many options for colon cancer screening, including colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy, fecal immunochemical tests (FITs), and fecal occult blood test (FOBT). Talk to your primary care physician about which test is right for you. Also, if you have a family history of colon cancer or other cancers, talk with your primary care physician or gastroenterologist about whether you need to start screening early.
The most important thing to remember is that colon cancer is preventable if it is caught early through screening tests. Screening helps find precancerous polyps that can be removed before the individual ever develops cancer. Unfortunately, one-third of individuals who should be getting their colon cancer screenings are not being screened as recommended.
Let’s work to save the lives in our community and encourage others to get their colon cancer screening test, or, if you are at the appropriate group for screening, lead by example and get your colon cancer screening test today.
A screening colonoscopy is recommended for anyone age 50 or older. To schedule yours, call the gastroenterologty experts at UT Health today: 210-450-9880.
