Colorectal Cancer Screening San Save Your Life

Did you know that colorectal cancer, otherwise known as large bowel cancer or colon cancer, is the second most common cause of cancer related deaths in the Western world? Were you aware that it is the third most common type of cancer? Every year around 150,000 new cases of colorectal cancer are diagnosed in the United States. Out of the 150,000 cases of colorectal cancer diagnosed each year, nearly 50,000 of those patients die due to a lack of prevention and late detection. Colorectal cancer causes 655,000 deaths worldwide per year.

It would seem that having a colonoscopy screening would be normal practice for most people over 50, due to the sheer numbers and statistics surrounding colorectal cancer. Unfortunately, 80 percent of colorectal cancer cases could have been prevented with a colonoscopy screening. Fortunately there are more and more people signing up for their screenings; doctors are hoping this is a new, upward trend.

If you live in the United States you have about a seven percent chance of developing colorectal cancer. As with most illnesses and diseases, the risk is heightened by lifestyle choices such as diet, smoking tobacco, and physical activity. Studies have found that eating a diet high in red meat and low in fresh fish, fruits and vegetables increases risk of developing colon cancer. Studies have shown that people who smoke tobacco also have an increased risk â " women who smoke are 40 percent more likely to develop the disease and men who smoke are 30 percent more likely. In addition, physically active people have a decreased risk of developing colon cancer.

Screening for colorectal cancer should start at age 50, unless you have a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, have an inflammatory bowel condition such as ulcerative colitis or Crohnâ s disease, or have symptoms such as a change in your usual bowel movements, bloody stool, or rectal bleeding. While cost or lack of insurance might be your reasons to not have this screening, it is nothing compared to the costs of cancer â " to your health, life savings, and family.

Getting a colonoscopy might not be the most pleasant or glamorous thing to with oneâ s day; there is also much preparation surrounding a colonoscopy, but itâ s worth the slight inconvenience. Having a colonoscopy is a reasonable way to take prevention and early detection measures. Having a colonoscopy could keep you from experiencing sickness, having to wear a bag, having cancer, or even death. Colorectal screening can quite simply save your life.

Jack Chanceling is a contributor to Autoimmune Journal.

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