Colon cancer remains the fourth most common cancer and the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in American adults. This disease can be prevented by screening for signs of cancer and removing polyps during a colonoscopy. The American Cancer Society (ACS) strongly suggests that everyone age 45 and older have colon cancer screening if they haven’t already had a colonoscopy. Individuals with a high risk of developing colon cancer may need to schedule a first screening at an earlier age.
Stool tests detect hidden blood — which is blood in the stool that can’t be seen because it’s such a small amount. If you take a stool test and it’s positive for blood, you will need to have a colonoscopy as the procedure allows your physician to prevent and treat cancer by visually examining your rectum and large intestine and removing polyps.
Contact Reddy GI today for more information or to make an appointment at 480-393-0575.
