Early Colon Cancer Detection Saves Lives

Early colon cancer detection is the key to its cure.

According to National Cancer Institute (NCI) about 150000 people are being colon cancer diagnosed each year. About 50000 of these people die every year. Colon cancer is rated the second cancer after breast cancer, but it's easily treatable if detected early.

About half of all Americans with colon cancer are not aware of the disease. It has a 90% cure if detected early, but some people don't get screened regularly as advised by doctors.

People are avoiding screening and there are different reasons for it. Some of them are just afraid to find out they have the cancer, some of them are just afraid of colonoscopy that may be painful, some people just feel healthy, don't have annoying symptoms and think they don't need a screening.

Colonoscopy is the latest screening to detect colon cancer. It uses a tube with a camera and light, which passes through the colon and enables doctors to closely monitor colon tissue. If there are any suspicious tissues found in colons they are immediately removed for biopsy. These tissues are clumps of cells called polyps.

About 30% of polyps are later turning into cancerous tissues. The process takes from 7 to 10 years allowing patients a plenty of time for early cancer treatment. Proper colon cancer treatment combined with healthy lifestyle successfully cure the disease.

Gastroenterologists advise everyone aged 50 and older to get regularly screened. Those with colon cancer family history are advised to start screenings at age of 40. Any bowel disease, such as diarrhea, constipation, stool bleeding, anemia, gas should be immediately told to a doctor, because these may be signs of cancer.