Begin The New Year Focused on GI Health: Get a Colonoscopy Now

New Year's goals often involve the resolution to optimize health and wellness, generally by focusing on food choices and workout routines. Preventative health screenings such as colonoscopy exams are a great way to make sustainable improvements to your health and begin the new year right. If you're looking to take charge of your colon health and want help deciding where to start, a colon exam at Adult Gastroenterology Associates is an excellent stepping stone. A colonoscopy could help you sustain optimal health as you kick off the new year.

How many individuals are affected by colon cancer yearly?

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States, and early detection is among the primary ways to enhance the odds of survival. An estimated 50,000 people in the U.S. die from colon cancer yearly, with the American Cancer Society estimating 106,180 new cases diagnosed yearly.

While colon cancer is common, so is its prevention. A colon cancer screening is an efficient way to gain control of your health and wellness. This screening helps defend against and discover cancer before it becomes too advanced to treat. Reach out to Adult Gastroenterology Associates to schedule a colonoscopy in Tulsa, OK and begin this year with a better understanding of your health.

Why are colorectal cancer screenings so crucial?

Colorectal exams are the standard method for colorectal cancer detection and prevention, and knowing how important they are can help you appreciate the value a colonoscopy can add to your quality of life. Ultimately, early screenings for cancer of the colon can often save your life, as colon cancer is treatable when detected in the beginning stages.

Colon cancer generally is formed from abnormal growths, known as polyps, in the rectum or colon. However, a colonoscopy exam detects and can remove these polyps before they develop into cancer. When a precancerous growth is detected during a colonoscopy exam, it can often be extracted at the time of the exam.

Understanding your health status is the best gift you can give yourself this new year. By being an informed and educated patient, you can make more thoughtful decisions that can help you throughout your life. Schedule a colonoscopy in Tulsa, OK with one of our experienced colonoscopy doctors to address your questions and concerns.

Who is at risk for colorectal cancer?

Part of making sustainable changes to better your health starts with becoming informed about the statistics of common conditions, including colon cancer. Certain risk factors for colorectal cancer may impact your treatment or how often you undergo colonoscopies. Some of the risk factors for colorectal cancer involve:

• A history of colon cancer
• Family background of colorectal cancer
• Radiation to the abdomen or pelvic region due to treatment for other cancers
• Having an inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease)
• A low-fiber and high-fat diet or a diet high in processed meat
• A diet lacking in fruits and veggies
• Inadequate exercise
• Tobacco use

Help reduce your chances of colorectal cancer with healthy diet changes, a new fitness method, and colonoscopies. Adding these routines can give you an edge when it comes to your colon health. A colonoscopy at Adult Gastroenterology Associates can put you on the right path to a better, improved version of yourself this year.

When should you schedule a colonoscopy screening?

Being aware of your colon health is far more favorable than worrying if there’s possibly a problem. A routine colonoscopy usually takes 15 minutes to an hour to complete, meaning your colon screening can fit into your day just as easily as your new workout routine.

The American Cancer Society advises that colonoscopies begin at age 45 for individuals at average risk for colon cancer. If you have optimal health and aren’t at increased risk, a colon cancer screening once every ten years should be sufficient to keep you up to date on your colon health.

Around age 75, colorectal cancer screenings are performed depending on your overall health status and at the recommendation of your gastroenterologist. If you have a family or personal history of colon cancer or abnormal growths, you are at a higher risk for the disease. Individuals with this increased risk should undergo colonoscopy exams more frequently to protect their health.

Schedule your colonoscopy in Tulsa, OK today

Make knowledgeable decisions regarding your future and kick off the new year by placing your colon health into your own hands. If you’re over 45, are at greater risk because of your lifestyle choices, or have a history of colon cancer in your family, schedule a colonoscopy at Adult Gastroenterology Associates. This exam takes an hour or less to complete and can ease your mind when it comes to your colon health. In the event you have additional questions, don't hesitate to discuss them with your colonoscopy doctor at one of our Tulsa, OK gastroenterology locations near you.