When it comes to cancer of any kind, early detection and intervention are key. Even better, screening for early, precancerous signs is your best weapon against this insidious disease. Fortunately, we can screen for colorectal cancer through a colonoscopy.
While our team here at Rockwall Surgical Specialists excels in handling most general surgeries, we also believe in preventive practices that can save you from undergoing surgery in the first place. A great example of this is a colonoscopy, a screening procedure that can save you from far bigger problems down the road.
Here’s a look at why you shouldn’t put off getting your colonoscopy.
The American Cancer Society predicts that there will be more than 104,000 new colon cancers diagnosed in 2020 in the United States and 43,000 new cases of rectal cancer.
While colorectal cancers are the third most diagnosed cancers among both men and women (we’re not counting skin cancer), the numbers used to be far greater just a few decades ago. Thanks in large part to screening through a colonoscopy, incidence rates of colorectal cancers in adults 55 or older have dropped by 3.6% each year from 2007-2016.
As you can see, the first reason why you shouldn't put off your colonoscopy is because this important screening works and has helped save scores of lives.
We grant that the thought of a colonoscopy is unpleasant, but most of our patients find the process to be surprisingly simple.
The most difficult part of the colonoscopy is generally considered to be the 24-hour prep period in which you cleanse your colon. Sure, you may not be able to enjoy a steak for a brief time, but you can consider this process a great way to flush out and detox your gastrointestinal tract.
With your colon prepped for your colonoscopy when you come in, we simply administer a sedative for your comfort. Once you’re sedated, we perform your screening and you likely won’t remember a thing.
Another benefit of a colonoscopy that we’d like to point out is that not only do we screen for any signs of cancer, but we also take steps to prevent cancer from taking hold. If we find polyps in your colon, we remove them during your colonoscopy, preventing them from becoming cancerous. We also biopsy these polyps to check for any cancer cells.
As you can see, you have everything to gain and nothing to lose by getting your colonoscopy, which you should do once you turn 50. If you have a family history of colorectal cancer, your doctor may recommend earlier screening.
To schedule your quick and easy — and potentially life-saving — colonoscopy with us, simply contact one of our locations in Rowlett, Rockwall, Greenville, Forney, and Terrell, Texas.
