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Colon cancer is one of the most common and deadly cancers in the United States, yet it’s also one of the most preventable. Since 2000, the number of colon cancer cases in younger adults has been rising, with a 15% increase in diagnoses among people under the age of 50.
At the same time, deaths from colon cancer have dropped significantly in older adults, thanks to early detection through colonoscopies.
When caught early, localized colon cancer has a 91% five-year survival rate. Despite this, many people delay or avoid getting screened, often because they’re nervous about the procedure, unsure if they need one, or worried about discomfort. A colonoscopy is a simple screening that allows doctors to find and remove precancerous polyps in your colon before they become cancerous.
While it may sound uncomfortable, in the right hands, it’s a routine procedure that takes less than an hour and is usually done under sedation. With an experienced and board-certified gastroenterologist like Dr. Jack Husney, getting a colonoscopy is a quick, painless, and usually a stress-free experience.
Are you unsure about when or why to schedule your first colonoscopy? Find out here.
Why are colonoscopies crucial?
Colon cancer doesn’t materialize overnight. It often begins as small, harmless polyps in your colon that slowly develop into cancer over time. A colonoscopy allows Dr. Husney to find and remove these polyps before they ever become cancerous.
Unlike most other cancer screenings that only detect a problem once it has already developed, a colonoscopy is both diagnostic and preventive. During the procedure, Dr. Husney carefully examines the lining of your colon using a thin, flexible tube with a camera. If he finds any polyps, he removes them.
The entire process takes less than an hour. Afterward, you’ll rest for a bit and then go home. Most people are back to their normal routine the next day. While some people worry about the preparation (which involves clearing out the colon the night before), recent improvements in prep solutions have made the prep process much easier to tolerate.
When should you get a colonoscopy?
For years, doctors recommended that adults start colon cancer screenings at the age of 50, but that guideline has recently changed. With cases of colon cancer increasing in younger adults, the American Cancer Society now recommends starting colon cancer screenings at age 45 for people of average risk.
You may need a colonoscopy earlier, however, if you:
Have a family history of colon cancer
If you have a first-degree relative (a parent or sibling) who was diagnosed with colon cancer or advanced polyps, doctors recommend starting 10 years before your relative’s age of diagnosis, if possible. That means if your father was diagnosed at 50, you should start your screenings at the age of 40.
Are experiencing concerning symptoms
Regardless of your age, you should schedule a colonoscopy immediately if you experience:
- Rectal bleeding, or blood in your stool
- Persistent changes in bowel habits (diarrhea or constipation)
- Abdominal pain or cramping that doesn’t go away
- Unexplained weight loss or fatigue
Even if these symptoms turn out to be caused by a less serious condition, a colonoscopy is the best way to rule out anything concerning.
Have a personal history of polyps or certain conditions
If you’ve previously had polyps, Dr. Husney may recommend more frequent screenings to ensure they don’t return. Certain gastrointestinal conditions, like inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis), also increase your risk and may require earlier and more frequent screenings.
Protect your health with a colonoscopy today
Putting off your colonoscopy doesn’t delay cancer — it only delays an early diagnosis, which could save your life. The procedure is a simple, effective way to protect your long-term health, and Dr. Husney strives to make the experience as comfortable as possible.
If you’re 45 or older, have a family history of colon cancer, or are experiencing unusual symptoms, don’t delay — schedule a colonoscopy with Dr. Husney in Brooklyn, New York, today.