Kick Off the New Year in Good Health: Schedule a Colonoscopy Screening

For many of us, our resolutions for the new year commonly include wanting to optimize our health and wellness, often by adjusting our dietary and exercise habits. Preventive wellness screenings such as colonoscopies are also an ideal way to make prolonged health and wellness changes and start the new year off in good health. If you have questions about your colon health and need help determining where to begin, a colonoscopy exam at Hattiesburg GI Associates, PLLC is an ideal first step. Doing so can help you foster optimal health as you enter this new year.

How many individuals are impacted by colon cancer each year?

Colorectal cancer is among the top three cancers in the U.S., and early detection is one of the primary ways to increase the rate of survival. An estimated 50,000 people in the United States pass away from colorectal cancer yearly, with the American Cancer Society approximating 106,180 new diagnoses each year.

While colon cancer is common, so too is its prevention. A simple colonoscopy screening is an effective way to enhance your wellness. This exam can help protect against and detect colorectal cancer before it reaches the advanced stages. Get in touch with Hattiesburg GI Associates, PLLC to schedule a colonoscopy in Hattiesburg, MS and start this new year with a clean bill of health.

Why are colon cancer screenings essential?

Colorectal exams are the gold standard for colorectal cancer detection and prevention, and understanding their importance might help you recognize the value a colonoscopy can add to your health. Essentially, early discovery of cancer of the colon saves lives, as colon cancer is treatable when found early.

Colon cancer generally arises from abnormal growths called polyps in the colon and/or rectum, but a colon cancer screening detects and can remove these growths prior to them developing into cancer. If a precancerous polyp is discovered as a result of your colonoscopy, it may be easily treated and removed at the same time we complete your screening.

Understanding your health is one of the best gifts you can gift yourself this year. When you are a knowledgeable and well-informed patient, you are capable of making choices that can serve you well during your lifetime. Schedule a colonoscopy in Hattiesburg, MS with one of our colonoscopy doctors to have your concerns addressed and questions answered.

Who is at risk for colorectal cancer?

Implementing positive health changes often starts with learning the risk factors of common conditions, including colon cancer. Some factors surrounding colon cancer may impact your treatment or when you need to obtain colon cancer screenings. A few of the risk factors for colon cancer involve:

• A diet that does not consist of enough vegetables and fruits
• Prior radiation to the stomach or pelvic region due to treatment for other cancers
• Use of tobacco
• A past diagnosis of colon cancer
• A high-fiber, low-fat diet or a diet that includes a lot of processed meats
• Family background of colon cancer
• Not enough exercise
• Having IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis)

You can reduce your chances of colorectal cancer with changes to your diet, by developing a new exercise method, and having colon cancer screenings. Incorporating these routines can give you the upper hand when it comes to your colon health. A colonoscopy with the Hattiesburg GI Associates, PLLC team can help you start your journey to a better, improved version of yourself this year.

When should you schedule a colonoscopy?

Knowing the state of your colon health is far better than worrying if there is possibly a problem. A regular colonoscopy usually only takes about an hour or less, meaning your appointment can fit into your busy day just as easily as your new workout routine.

The American Cancer Society advises that colorectal cancer screenings begin at 45 years of age for patients who are at average risk for colon cancer. If you maintain ideal health and wellness and are not at high risk, a simple colonoscopy every decade is typically enough to keep you up to date on the status of your colon health.

When you are 75 years old, colorectal cancer screenings are typically performed based on your overall health status and gastroenterologist recommendations. If you have a personal history or a loved one with a history of colon cancer or polyps, you are at a higher risk of getting colon cancer. Individuals with a substantial risk will need to have colon cancer screenings more regularly to maintain their health.

Schedule a colonoscopy in Hattiesburg, MS today

Let us help you make knowledgeable choices about your future and kick off your new year by placing your colon health into your hands. In the event you are at an increased risk because of your lifestyle, are over age 45, or have a history in your family of colon cancer, you should consider scheduling a colonoscopy at Hattiesburg GI Associates, PLLC. The procedure takes just about an hour or less and can leave you with peace of mind when it comes to your colon health. If you have questions or concerns, don't hesitate to address them with your colonoscopy doctor during your appointment at one of our Hattiesburg, MS gastroenterology practices.