Can colon cancer be detected early through regular screening examinations?
June 10, 2022 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Andrea Schlosser
Dear Sir or Madam,
my name is Sandra Schaaf and I have a question regarding the early detection of colon cancer. There have been several cases of colon cancer in my family, so I am very concerned about my own health. I have heard that regular screening tests can help in detecting colon cancer early. Is that true?
Currently, I am 45 years old and have not yet undergone any screening tests for colon cancer. I feel healthy, but I have read that colon cancer often progresses without symptoms for a long time and only causes problems in advanced stages. Therefore, I am unsure if I should start with regular screening tests at my age to detect the risk of disease early.
My worries about colon cancer are significant, as I have witnessed the effects of this disease in my family. I want to do everything possible to minimize the risk of disease and wonder if regular screening tests can indeed help in detecting and treating colon cancer early.
Could you please provide me with information on whether regular screening tests are an effective method for detecting colon cancer early? If so, at what age should one start such tests and at what intervals should they be conducted? Are there any other measures I can take to reduce my risk of colon cancer?
I would greatly appreciate your expert assessment and recommendations.
Sincerely,
Sandra Schaaf
Dear Mrs. Schaaf,
Thank you for your important question regarding the early detection of colon cancer. It is understandable that you are concerned about your health given your family history. In fact, regular screening examinations can help to detect colon cancer early and significantly improve treatment chances.
The early detection of colon cancer is primarily done through a procedure called colonoscopy. During this examination, the entire colon is inspected using a flexible tube equipped with a camera. This allows for the removal of polyps, which are precursors to colon cancer, and the collection of tissue samples for the examination of possible cancer cells. Colonoscopy is the most effective method for the early detection of colon cancer as it enables the detection of changes in colon tissue at an early stage.
The Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) recommends that individuals over the age of 50 should undergo a colonoscopy every 10 years. However, in cases of family history, like yours, it may be advisable to start screening examinations earlier. In families with a high occurrence of colon cancer, it is recommended to start screening at the age of 40 or even earlier, depending on individual risk factors.
Additionally, there are other measures that can reduce your risk of colon cancer. These include maintaining a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, regular exercise, avoiding excessive alcohol and tobacco consumption, and maintaining a healthy weight. Regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight can also help reduce your risk. It is important to consider these measures as part of a healthy lifestyle that contributes to the prevention not only of colon cancer but also of other chronic diseases.
In conclusion, I want to emphasize the importance of starting screening examinations early to minimize the risk of developing colon cancer. Please consult your primary care physician or a gastroenterology specialist to discuss further steps and receive an individualized screening recommendation.
I hope this information has been helpful, and I am available to assist with any further questions.
Best regards,
Andrea Schlosser
