30/03/2022
March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month: Here's What You Need to Know
Myth #1: “It only happens to men.”
The truth: The overall lifetime risk of developing colore**al cancer for women (1 in 24) is only slightly lower than it is for men (1 in 22). Age is a much bigger risk factor than s*x.
Myth #2: “I’m too young to get colon cancer.”
The truth: While it’s true that more than 9 out of 10 instances of colore**al cancer occur in people over the age of 50, the American Cancer Society recently changed their guidelines to recommend screenings starting earlier, at age 45. This is due to a sharp rise in the number of young adults diagnosed with colon cancer each year.
Myth #3: “Colonoscopies are painful.”
The truth: Colonoscopy is a common test familiar to many but not well known by all patients. Sure, it’s not exactly pleasant, but it’s not as bad as you think. For starters, most people only need one every 10 years.
To prepare for the procedure, you’ll have to avoid solid foods and take a bowel-cleaning substance the day before the procedure to clear your colon. During the procedure, you’ll receive a sedating medication to make you more comfortable, and most people can return to their normal activities that same day. All in all, the hassle is worth it. Precancerous polyps can be removed during the procedure, which is much easier than treating late-stage colon cancer, which may involve surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy.
Myth #4: “Colonoscopies are dangerous.”
The truth: A colonoscopy is a medical procedure, so yes, complications are possible. Rarely, a colonoscopy can create tears in the colon or trigger diverticulitis, an infection of the pouches inside the colon wall. Overall, the complication rate is estimated to be less than 1% for all complications. Your doctor will discuss these risks with you before the procedure, but in most cases, the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks.
If you’re still anxious about having a colonoscopy done after talking with your doctor, there are other tests used to screen for colon cancer. While a colonoscopy is still the most accurate test available, you may be more comfortable with a f***l blood test (FOBT) performed every 1 or 2 years, or a sigmoidoscopy, which is similar to a colonoscopy but is less intensive.
Cr Photo Virginia Department of Health
Cr to https://www.floridamedicalclinic.com/blog/colon-cancer-awareness/
This Month make sure you're well protected financially by applying Health Insurance!
