Premier
According to cancer.org, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States. For this year, it is estimated that there will be over 103,000 new cases of colon cancer and about 45,000 new cases of rectal cancer in the country.
Colorectal Cancer Screening
There’s no sure way of preventing colorectal cancer, but the physicians of Premier Surgical in Knoxville and Cleveland, TN, want to remind you that there are things you can do to reduce your risk of developing it. One of the most important things is having a colorectal cancer screening.
Screening is a process of detecting early signs of cancer or precancer for those who are not experiencing symptoms of the disease.
Regular colorectal cancer screening is considered to be one of the most effective tools in preventing colorectal cancer.
It takes about 10 to 15 years for abnormal cells or polyps to develop into colorectal cancer. Through regular screening, these polyps are found and removed quickly before they can develop into cancer.
What you should know about colorectal cancer screening
Regular screening for colorectal cancer begins at the age of 50. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends adults aged 50 to 75 to be screened for colorectal cancer. For adults aged 76 to 85, the Task Force recommends asking their primary providers about the screening.
USPSTF recommends the following colorectal cancer screening strategies: stool tests, colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy, and CT colonography.
Early testing
Although the recommended age for colorectal cancer begins at the age of 50, you have to talk to your doctor about earlier screening (before the age of 50) if:
- You have a family history of colorectal cancer.
- You have inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis.
- You have a genetic syndrome such as familial adenomatous polyposis.
Regular colorectal cancer screening may not assure you that you’ll never get colorectal cancer, but it can lead to better treatment outcomes.
If you think you have an increased risk of colorectal cancer, speak with your doctor on when to get screened, the best screening tests for you, and how often to get tested.
The physicians of Premier Surgical Associates in Knoxville and Cleveland, TN, are experienced in the surgical treatment of colorectal cancer. To request an appointment with one of our physicians, visit https://www.premiersurgical.com/request-appointment/.