5 Lifestyle Changes That Support Long-Term Heart Health
When your heart health is in a positive place, the rest of your well-being benefits, too. Consider these five proven lifestyle habits to support your heart health for the long term.
When Should I Start Having Regular Colorectal Cancer Screenings?
Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, causing more than 50,000 deaths each year. Those numbers are alarming, but know this: Colorectal cancer screening is highly preventable when detected early — and that’s why having regular screenings is so important for your health.
As a leading primary care practice in Omaha, Nebraska, Midwest Regional Health Services offers colorectal cancer screening as part of its preventive care services.
To mark National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, our team is devoting this post to helping you understand when you should begin screening and what to expect from your test.
Scheduling your colorectal cancer screening
Because younger people are increasingly being diagnosed with colorectal cancer, the recommended screening guidelines have been amended. Experts now urge screenings beginning at age 45 instead of 50.
It’s important to note that this recommendation is for people who have an average risk of colorectal cancer, including those with:
- No personal history of colorectal cancer
- No family history of colorectal cancer
- No personal history of polyps
- No genetic condition associated with a higher risk of colorectal cancer
- No history of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Typically, people at average risk of colorectal cancer should have their first screening at age 45, with repeated screenings at specific intervals: 10 years for colonoscopy screening or 1-3 years for noninvasive stool sampling tests.
People at higher risk of developing colorectal cancer may need to begin screenings earlier and have them more frequently. This includes people with:
- A family history of colorectal cancer
- Genetic conditions associated with colorectal cancer
- Personal history of colorectal cancer or polyps
- Personal history of IBD
Our team can determine the best time to begin screening and the frequency of screening tests based on your personal medical profile.
What to expect during screening
Most people associate colorectal cancer screening with colonoscopy, the gold standard when it comes to early detection of colorectal cancer. More options are available these days, including using a small sample of your stool to check for changes linked to colorectal cancer.
Stool tests involve collecting a small sample of stool at home, placing it in a special package provided by our team, and then submitting it to a lab for evaluation. This screening test is noninvasive, and it may be appropriate for many people who have average risk factors for colorectal cancer.
Colonoscopy: The gold standard
Colonoscopy is typically recommended for people at higher risk of colorectal cancer. This screening uses a long, flexible scope to see inside your rectum and colon. The screening is performed using sedation, so you’re asleep through the entire procedure.
Your bowel needs to be clear of all stool prior to your screening to make it easier for your doctor to spot polyps or other growths. The day prior to your procedure, you begin fasting, then in the evening, you take a preparation that empties your bowels.
The preparation makes you empty your bowels very frequently, so make sure you have access to a bathroom without any worries about anyone else interrupting you. You can find helpful tips for your prep at the Colorectal Cancer Alliance website and similar sites on the web.
Why you need regular screenings
Colorectal cancer develops slowly, and most people have few or no symptoms early on. Without screening, tumors can form and grow, leading to a more advanced stage of cancer that’s harder to treat.
Regular screening detects these growths early, so you can take steps toward preventing them from spreading or causing life-threatening complications.
Screening is simpler and more straightforward than most people realize — and most importantly, it can save your life. To learn more about screening, call Midwest Regional Health Services to request a visit with our team in Omaha, Nebraska.
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