Don’t Just Find Cancer – Prevent It

Did you know that there’s only one cancer you can prevent with a screening? It’s colon/colorectal cancer and the screening is a colonoscopy.

The Power of Colonoscopy Screening

Unlike many tests that only detect problems after they appear, a colonoscopy can find – and remove – precancerous polyps to prevent cancer from developing.

Colonoscopy screening saves lives in two major ways:

1. Preventing cancer by removing polyps before they become cancerous.

1. Finding cancer early when it’s small and easier to treat.

When colon cancer is caught early and is still in one area, the five-year survival rate is 91%. Once it spreads outside of the colon, the survival rate drops to 14%. Early detection through screening truly makes a difference.

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in Nebraska, and it is highly preventable.

Prevent Colon Cancer – Not Just Detect It

Why settle for just detecting cancer when you can stop cancer before it develops? Most colon cancers begin as slow-growing polyps in the colon. A colonoscopy allows doctors to see inside the colon, find those potentially precancerous polyps and remove them – all during the same exam.

Research suggests that:

• Up to 70% of colorectal cancer cases could be prevented by undergoing a colonoscopy and removing polyps detected during the procedure.
• A colonoscopy may lower the risk of dying from colon cancer by as much as 90%.
• One colonoscopy can reduce your risk of developing colorectal cancer by approximately 77% over the next 10 years.

Colonoscopy vs. Non-Invasive Tests

It’s understandable that not everyone looks forward to a colonoscopy. Non-invasive tests, like stool or blood tests, are simple and convenient – you can do them at home, and their accuracy continues to improve each year. For some people at average risk of colorectal cancer, they’re a good starting point for screening.

But it’s important to know their limits. These tests look for signs of cancer that may already be present, but they do not prevent cancer. Even the best non-invasive options still miss many high-risk polyps that can become cancer within a few years, and their sensitivity for detecting early cancers is lower than that of colonoscopy. In other words, a normal stool or blood test doesn’t always mean everything is truly normal. And, if a non-invasive test ever comes back abnormal, the next step is a colonoscopy to confirm and treat the problem.

Colonoscopy is the only screening that can both find and remove polyps during the same exam. It can reliably identify cancer in its earliest stage and prevent cancer before it ever starts.

Best of all, when your colonoscopy is normal, you usually don’t need another one for 10 years — giving you a full decade of peace of mind and protection.

Don’t Skip This Screening: It Could Save Your Life

Too many people still skip this important part of routine health care.

• Only about one in five Nebraskans age 45-49 is up to date on screening.
• Cancer rates are increasing in people under 50.
• Hispanic and rural communities have lower screening rates.

These trends are concerning because when cancer is not found in its early stages, it is harder to treat. Screening is key to finding cancer early, and in the case of colon cancer preventing it entirely. That’s why this screening is so important for you and those you love.

Who Needs Colon Cancer Screening

Everyone should get this screening starting at age 45. However, some people should start screening sooner or get tested more often. You may be at high risk if you have a family history of colorectal cancer or colon polyps, a personal history of polyps or certain genetic conditions.

Family history plays a significant role: about one in four colon cancer cases are linked to having a close family member with colon cancer or polyps. If this applies to you, talk to your doctor about starting screening before age 45.

While family history is significant, 75% of colon cancer cases are not related to high-risk situations. So don’t skip this important screening!  

Getting a Colonoscopy

Getting a colonoscopy is simple because:

• You don’t need a referral.
• You don’t need an office visit first.
• You can call directly to schedule your procedure.
• Most insurance plans – including Medicare – cover a colonoscopy screening at no cost to you.

Don’t Wait – Take Control of Your Health Now

Colorectal cancer is common, but it’s also largely preventable.

Here’s what to remember:

• More than 100,000 Americans will face colon cancer this year – but you don’t have to be one of them.
• Screening saves lives by catching cancer early or stopping it from developing.
• Colonoscopy can prevent most cases and greatly lower the risk of dying from the disease.
• If you’re 45 or older or have a family history of colon cancer, schedule your screening today.

A colonoscopy today could mean a healthier, cancer-free tomorrow.

Learn more and take steps for your healthier tomorrow today!