Colorectal Cancer Screening
Colorectal cancer is a severe form of cancer that can develop within the rectum or colon — as with most other forms of cancer, detecting the cancer cells early on heightens the chance that you receive successful treatment. There are also a variety of causes and risk factors that can increase your chance of developing colorectal cancer.
Colorectal Cancer Screening
What is Colorectal Cancer?
Colorectal cancer is a very specific form of cancer that can affect the portions of the large intestine known as the rectum and the colon. This cancer invariably develops along the lining of the intestine. While symptoms will eventually develop when suffering from colorectal cancer, you may not notice any symptoms until the cancer has spread beyond the initial colon and rectum locations. As such, you must obtain screenings for colorectal cancer on a regular basis. Detecting this cancer early on should allow you to get rid of the cancer without experiencing many health complications. Some of the many symptoms that could indicate the presence of colorectal cancer include:
Constipation, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting
Long-lasting fatigue
Weight loss that can’t be explained
A sensation that your bowels aren’t completely emptying
The presence of blood in your stool
Cramps and frequent gas
Very narrow stools
What Causes Colorectal Cancer?
As with many types of cancer, the exact causes of colorectal cancer are currently unknown. However, there are numerous risk factors that may increase your risk of developing this form of cancer. Many of these factors can be changed to lessen your risk of cancer. Being overweight or obese is a common risk factor associated with colorectal cancer, which means that losing weight can reduce your risk of developing this type of cancer.
Smoking, high alcohol use, and physical inactivity are also common risk factors associated with colorectal cancer. If you have a family history of this cancer or have suffered from irritable bowel syndrome in the past, you might be at a higher risk of developing this cancer. While people of any age can suffer from colorectal cancer, it’s particularly common among individuals who are above the age of 50.
Do I Need A Colorectal Cancer Screening?
You should obtain a colorectal cancer screening every few years or so to determine if these cancer cells have developed in the rectum or colon areas. Anyone over the age of 50 should schedule a screening at least once per year. The two types of tests that you could be provided with include a stool-based test and a visual exam, the former of which is the less invasive option. If you want to check for signs of colorectal cancer, schedule a screening today.
At Gastro Health & Nutrition – Katy, we offer colonoscopy treatment services in Katy, TX. We place special attention in making sure your screening goes as smoothly as possible, keeping your comfort at the front of our mind.