For many people, talking about colon health can be a little uncomfortable. However, medical issues don’t just go away if you ignore them.

Being proactive about your well-being with preventative care can help catch colorectal cancer or another serious condition early, often before it becomes a bigger problem.

Wellstar is committed to keeping your colon healthy with preventative screenings and expert care, so you can continue to live well.

Catch colorectal cancer early

Early detection is the best prevention, especially when it comes to colon cancer. If caught early, colorectal cancer has a survival rate of 91%.

“Colon cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in the United States, so it’s very important that everyone gets screened,” said Dr. Cameron Body, Wellstar gastroenterologist. “For an average risk person, screenings should begin at age 45.”

Those with a higher risk or family history of colorectal cancer may need to start screening even sooner. Talk with your provider to start a screening schedule — and stick with it to stay ahead of the disease.

Schedule your colonoscopy today.

Why colonoscopies work

During a colonoscopy, your physician will view the inside or your colon and look for polyps or any other abnormal tissue that could be cancerous. This preventative testing is key to catching colorectal issues at the start.

“A colonoscopy is the gold standard when screening for colon cancer. The procedure itself is not painful, and we make sure you’re comfortable throughout the process,” Dr. Body said.

“The goal is to do a high-quality exam with a good prep to find polyps when they’re small and get them removed to minimize the risk of them subsequently developing into cancer,” Dr. Body explained.

“For colon cancer, it takes a polyp about five to 15 years to evolve into an invasive cancer,” shared Dr. Carmen Klass, oncologist and hematologist with Northwest Georgia Oncology Centers. “If you have a colonoscopy every five to ten years, they can remove the polyp and it will never be declared an invasive cancer.”

“In fact, if all Americans did their screening colonoscopies every five to ten years, then the death rate for colorectal cancer would drop by 50%,” Dr. Klass shared, urging people not to put off the preventative screening.

See how colorectal cancer screening saves lives.

After taking a bite of food, you may not think about its journey through your body. From beginning to end, your digestive system is working hard to keep you healthy.

“Your digestive system plays an essential role in your well-being, helping your body to absorb nutrients, provide energy and fuel for your favorite activities,” explained Wellstar Gastroenterologist Dr. Arif Aziz.

That’s why it’s so important to do your part to protect your gut health.

Wellstar helps your digestive system stay on track, so you can feel your best and keep doing the things you enjoy most.

Care from top to bottom

Your digestive system is made of an entire team of organs: the esophagus, stomach, intestines (small and large), pancreas, liver, gallbladder, rectum and anus.

“With so many parts working together, your digestive system requires expert care to stay well,” said Wellstar Gastroenterologist Dr. Inder Tandon. “Regular check-ups with your Wellstar provider can help identify potential digestive issues early.”

At a routine exam, your provider can screen serious diseases like colorectal cancer and help identify chronic and common digestive conditions.

“If specialized care is needed, your primary care physician can refer you to our expert team of gastroenterologists right away,” Dr. Tandon shared.

Find a Wellstar provider near you and schedule a check-up today.

Catch colorectal cancer early

Most colorectal cancer starts as a growth, or polyp, in the colon or rectum. Because polyps develop slowly over time, you may experience few warning signs and not know you have a medical issue for months, or even years.

That’s why it’s so important to get a colonoscopy — it could save your life. When caught early, colorectal cancer has a 91 percent survival rate.

People with average risk should have a colonoscopy starting at age 45. Those at high risk or with a family history of colon cancer may start screenings even sooner.

Learn more about colorectal cancer screening.