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Colon cancer is a big deal - it's the second most deadly cancer after lung cancer. But there's been a lot of talk about when and how to check for it. Feeling confused? Let’s break it down simply.
There’s a bit of debate about when to start checking for colon cancer. The American College of Physicians (ACP) says start at 50, while groups like the American Cancer Society (ACS) and the US Preventive Services Task force say 45. Now, this advice is mainly for people with a usual risk. If your family has a history of colon cancer or you have other health issues, it’s best to talk to your doctor.
But why the push to start checking earlier? Dr. Andrew T. Chan gives us a clue. He points out that more people under 50 are getting colon cancer. While we've seen fewer deaths from colon cancer for those above 50 between 2011 and 2020, the number of deaths in the younger group has actually gone up. This increase affects all groups of people, but it's especially high in the Black community.
So, how do we keep ourselves safe?
Checking for Colon Cancer: The Top Ways
1. Colonoscopy: This is the top method. Here, a doctor checks the whole colon using a small camera. It’s the best way to find and remove growths that might turn into cancer. You have to drink a lot of water and take some medicine to clean out your colon before the test. If everything looks okay, you might only need to do it every ten years.
2. Stool Tests: You can do these at home. They look for blood or unusual DNA in your stool, which could be signs of cancer. There are three main types:
- FOBT & FIT: These are done every year and look for blood in your stool.
- FIT-DNA Test: This one, done every three years, checks for both blood and strange DNA.
3. Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: This method checks only the lower part of the colon. The ACP says you can do this every 10 years and pair it with the FIT test done every two years. But it’s not a common choice for many.
If any of these tests show something odd, you'll need a colonoscopy for a closer look.
Now, for younger folks who think a colonoscopy sounds too big a deal, there's good news. The stool tests are easy and quick. As Dr. Chan says, it's important to do some kind of test. Finding any problem early can really help.
To wrap it up, whether you're thinking about a colonoscopy or a simple stool test, what's important is to take that step. In the fight against colon cancer, being aware and getting checked is the best move. Remember, it’s always better to be safe and informed!