Did you know?
Without any screening, about 1 out of 20 people will develop colon cancer. The risk is even higher for people with a family history of colon cancer. Most (but not all) cancer in the colon begins as a noncancerous polyp or small growth. Over time, polyps can grow and change and become cancer.
Finding those polyps early is key.
That’s where the colonoscopy comes in. Colonoscopy is an exam of the entire colon with a long tube and a camera with a colonoscope, that can remove polyps. Colonoscopy can reduce your risk of dying from colon cancer by about 90%!
American Cancer Society now recommends that people with average risk start regular screening for colon cancer at age 45 due to the increasing rates of colon cancer among younger adults. (The reason for the increased rates is unclear but being researched.)
Here is Whitney, about to get her first colonoscopy. (Ahhh, look at my nervous smile)
Yes, the prep is kinda rough. But they found 1 polyp in me and I’m happy to have it out! Talk to your provider to see if it is the right time for YOUR colonoscopy.