Think colon cancer screenings are only for people your parents’ age? Think again. New research suggests that younger adults should also be aware of their risk for this deadly, yet preventable disease.
At Rivas Digestive Center, skilled gastroenterologist John Rivas, MD can help you stay ahead of colon cancer at any age. Regular screenings offer the best chance to catch things early when they’re most treatable.
Even if you think you’re too young to be concerned, certain factors may make early colon cancer screening a good idea. Continue reading to learn when you should consider one, and what else you can do to prevent colon cancer.
For a while, the standard recommendation was to begin regular colon cancer screenings at age 50. But guidelines have shifted, and now experts generally advise starting at age 45 for individuals with an average risk.
However, “average risk” doesn’t apply to everyone. Dr. Rivas may recommend earlier screening if you have:
Beyond these risk factors, it’s also important to be aware of physical symptoms that could signal an issue.
Talk to Dr. Rivas if you have persistent abdominal pain, notice blood in your stool, or experience significant changes in your bowel habits, such as ongoing diarrhea or constipation. These symptoms don’t automatically mean you have colon cancer, but they do warrant a deeper investigation.
At Rivas Digestive Center, we offer different screening options to fit your needs, including stool testing and colonoscopy. While stool tests can be a good initial step, a colonoscopy is considered the gold standard for cancer screening.
This procedure allows Dr. Rivas to visually inspect the entire colon, identify any abnormalities, and even remove precancerous polyps (growths on the colon lining) during the procedure. Removing these polyps effectively prevents the cancer from developing or spreading.
Dr. Rivas can provide personalized guidance on when to begin screenings and how often you should have them, but in the meantime, you can take proactive steps to help lower your risk of colon cancer.
Try starting with your diet — studies show that eating too much red meat and/or processed meat may increase the likelihood of cancer. Focus more on lean proteins like poultry, fish, or eggs, and plant-based sources of iron, like dark leafy vegetables, whole grains, seeds, and nuts.
A balanced diet can help you avoid another risk factor for colon cancer: obesity. Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and regular physical activity may help lower your risk.
And don’t forget about smoking. Tobacco use has a direct link to many types of cancer, including colon cancer. Limiting alcohol consumption is also a good idea to support your overall health.
Don’t ignore persistent digestive symptoms. Make your well-being a priority and schedule a colon cancer screening with Dr. Rivas today. Contact Rivas Digestive Center in Hollywood, Florida, by phone or make an appointment online.
