A colonoscopy is one of the most effective ways in catching colon cancer and other conditions in the digestive system. The procedure can be done in an outpatient setting and has a relatively quick recovery time. Here's know if you should get a colonoscopy.
Instructions
1. Check your family medical history.
If you have any immediate family members who have had colon cancer, you will be at a higher risk for developing it yourself. Get a colonoscopy earlier in life if it has a high occurrence in your family.
2. Get a colonoscopy if you are over the age of 50.
After the age of 50, the risk of colon cancer goes up significantly. Once you have reached this age, you should get a colonoscopy every 5 years. Over 90& of colon cancers occur in the over 50 population.
3. Consider your digestive problems.
If you have stomach problems that are consistent and relentless, it may be a good idea to get a colonoscopy to rule out the possibility of colon cancer. See "Detect Colon Cancer" below for specific symptoms of the disease.
4. Get a colonoscopy if you are a smoker.
Smoking puts you at a for a slew of cancers; including colon. If smoking is an unhealthy habit of yours, get a colonoscopy when and if you start experiencing digestive problems.
5. Decrease the time between colonoscopy if you are overweight.
If you are overweight and/or led a sedentary lifestyle, you are at a higher risk for colon cancer and polyps. Get a regular colonoscopy screening if you are overweight.
Tags: colon cancer, higher risk, digestive problems, , risk colon cancer, should colonoscopy