March is nationally recognized as Colorectal Cancer awareness month. Southwestern Endoscopy Center is committed to educating our community on the importance of colorectal screening.
The rate of people diagnosed with colorectal cancer has been decreasing overall since the mid-1980s, due to increased screening among older adults. According to research by the American Cancer Society, from 2013 to 2017, incidence rates dropped by about 1% each year. Early screening is our biggest tool in the fight against colorectal cancer. The CDC estimates that 68% of deaths from colorectal cancer could be avoided if all eligible people getting screened.
Who is at risk for colorectal cancer?
Colorectal cancer affects both men and women of all ages, races, and ethnicities. Colorectal cancer is one of the only preventable cancers thanks to screenings.
Age: 90% of people diagnosed with colorectal cancer are over the age of 50. The American Cancer Society’s newest guidelines recommend that colorectal cancer screenings begin at age 45. The recommended age was lowered from 50 to 45 because colorectal cancer cases are on the rise among young and middle-aged people.
Personal family history of colorectal cancers: Knowing your family history is an important way to protect your health. Having a family history of colorectal cancer increases your risk of a diagnosis of colorectal cancer yourself.
Lifestyle Risk Factors – Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and maintaining a healthy weight are great defenses against colorectal cancers. A high fiber diet is also important for optimal gut health.
How can you reduce your risk of colorectal cancer?
Getting screened for colorectal cancer is the most effective, and most important, way to prevent it and reduce your risk
At Southwestern Endoscopy Center we provide compassionate medicine allowing patients to feel safe and comfortable. Our board-certified gastroenterologists have been serving the community in their quest to lower colon cancer rates and treat a wide variety of gastrointestinal disorders for many years.
Our team includes top anesthesia personnel who administer light-to-moderate intravenous sedation and utilize state-of-the-art monitoring equipment. We are supported by a dedicated team of experienced and highly-trained nurses, endoscopy technicians, and front desk staff. We hold ourselves to the highest of standards, as our center is accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC). We strive to provide patients and their families with a healthcare experience that is personal and compassionate.
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