Colon cancer is now the number one cancer killer in the U.S. of people ages 50 and younger, and yet many folks (at any age) are reluctant to get a colonoscopy — the gold standard for detection of precancerous polyps and cancer. Fully 30% of you who are eligible for a screening test haven’t had one.
New Screening Guidelines
The American Cancer Society (ACS) has introduced new standards that expand colon-cancer screening choices to include an annual blood test that looks for cancer DNA that’s been shed by a tumor. Experts say it doesn’t detect pre-cancerous polyps or early cancers as well as other options, but it’s better than nothing. The ACS also recommends Cologuard, an at-home stool test that checks for cancer DNA (it’s to be used every three years). Screening by colonoscopy, a blood test or an at-home stool test should start at age 45, or earlier if you have a family history of colon cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, are overweight or obese, physically inactive, smoke or drink a lot of alcohol.
You can also help protect yourself from colon cancer by opting for a fiber-rich diet, free from toxic ingredients in highly processed foods and inflammatory favorites like French fries, added sugars, and red and red processed meats.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
