New Colonoscopy Screening Guidelines
Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the US. Previously, the American Cancer Society (ACS) recommended screening for colon cancer with a colonoscopy at age 50 years old. Colon cancers are usually slower growing and take years to become cancer. That is why Gastroenterologists screen to remove polyps (or growths) before they become cancer. They literally take out the growth before it becomes cancer. It is kind of cool, right?!? Children and young adults are not prone to colon cancer. But, as we get older and grow more polyps, our chances increase. That is why the ACS used to recommend starting at 50 years old.
However, do to unhealthy lifestyles many people are developing colon cancer younger. Research shows a diet that's high in red meats and processed meats raise your colorectal cancer risk. Smoking and alcohol also increases your risk. There are also other risk factors like genetics, diseases such as irritable bowel disease (IBD) (yup, that is me- my risk is increased so I go for colonoscopies regularly), and just getting older.
For these reasons, the ACS now recommends screening start at 45 years old. And, I absolutely think this makes sense. I know people do not like colonoscopies (Again, I have been there-- I have had over 5 of them since I was diagnosed with IBD), but if it takes out potential cancerous polyps and saves your life. I think it is so worth it! Thepreparation these days is better than in the past. They give you sedation so you do not remember the procedure. Think of it as a great detox cleanse haha.
The other thing I recommend and hope to motivate others to do is to eat healthier! I love Michael Pollan's saying: Eat Food, Not too much, Mostly Plants. So succinct and spot on! I just love it haha. Have a great weekend everyone :).
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