Kick Off the New Year Right: Schedule Your Colonoscopy Now

Many of our resolutions for the new year are composed of conscious efforts to enhance our health, typically adjusting our eating habits and exercise habits. Preventive health and wellness exams such as colonoscopies are also great ways to make prolonged health changes and begin the new year with a bang. If you're wondering about your colon health and are looking for help knowing where to begin, a colonoscopy exam at Colorado Gastroenterology is a perfect stepping stone. This can help you maintain optimal health as you move forward into this new year.

How many individuals are impacted by colon cancer annually?

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the U.S., and early detection is among the primary ways to enhance the odds of survival. An estimated 50,000 Americans pass away from colorectal cancer annually, with the American Cancer Society estimating 106,180 new diagnoses each year.

While colorectal cancer is common, preventing it can be relatively simple. A routine colon cancer screening is an easy way to take control of your health and wellness. This screening can help protect against and detect colon cancer before it reaches the advanced stages. Get in touch with Colorado Gastroenterology to schedule a colonoscopy in Denver, CO and start your year with optimal health.

Why are colorectal cancer screenings so important?

Colonoscopies are the gold standard for colon cancer detection and prevention, and knowing why might help you understand the value a colon cancer screening can add to your life. Essentially, early discovery of colon cancer can save lives, as this disease is very treatable when found early.

Colon cancer generally develops from abnormal growths called polyps in the rectum or colon, but a colon cancer screening detects and can remove these growths before they develop into colorectal cancer. When a precancerous polyp is found as a result of a colonoscopy, it is likely easily treatable and often can be removed at the same time we complete the colonoscopy.

Having an understanding of your health is an amazing gift you can give yourself this new year. As a knowledgeable and educated patient, you are capable of making informed decisions that can help for the rest of your life. Schedule a colonoscopy in Denver, CO to have your questions and concerns answered.

Who is at risk for colon cancer?

Part of implementing changes for your health starts with identifying the risk factors of common health conditions, such as cancer of the colon. Some risks for colorectal cancer could have an impact on your treatment or how frequently you should undergo colon cancer screenings. A few of the risk factors for colorectal cancer are:

• A diet that does not consist of enough fruits and vegetables
• Having inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis)
• A high-fiber, low-fat diet or a diet that includes a lot of processed meats
• Familial history of colorectal cancer
• Smoking
• Minimal exercise
• A personal history of colon cancer
• Prior radiation to your abdomen or pelvic region due to treatment for other cancers

Reduce your chances of colorectal cancer with healthy diet changes, a new fitness schedule, and a colonoscopy screening. Establishing these routines can give you an advantage with respect to your colon health and general wellness. A colonoscopy at Colorado Gastroenterology can help you start your journey to a new, healthy version of yourself this new year.

When should you schedule a colonoscopy?

Understanding the status of your colon health is better than wondering if there is a potential problem. A routine colon screening usually takes only about 15 – 60 minutes, meaning your colon screening can fit into your schedule just like your renewed fitness and diet routine.

The ACS (American Cancer Society) recommends that colonoscopies begin at 45 years of age for patients who are at standard risk for colon cancer. If you have proper health and wellness and you are not at elevated risk, a simple colonoscopy once every decade may be enough to keep you informed about your colon health.

Once you turn 75 years old, colonoscopies are performed depending on your general health and your gastroenterologist's recommendations. If you have a personal or a loved one with a history of colon cancer or polyps, you are at an advanced risk of developing colon cancer. Individuals with a substantial risk will need to undergo screenings more often to safeguard their health.

Schedule a colonoscopy in Denver, CO today

Let us help you make knowledgeable choices about your future and kick off your new year by prioritizing your colon health. If you are 45 or older, are at greater risk because of your lifestyle, or have a family history of colon cancer, we encourage you to schedule a colonoscopy at Colorado Gastroenterology. A colonoscopy takes just about an hour or less to complete and gives you peace of mind that your colon health is being taken care of. In the event you have additional concerns, feel free to address them with your colonoscopy doctor during your visit to our Denver, CO gastroenterology office.