Begin the New Year Right: Get Your Colonoscopy Now

For many of us, one of our New Year's resolutions is to focus on our health, often modifying our eating and exercise habits. Proactive health and wellness exams, such as colon cancer screenings, can also be a great way to make sustainable health improvements and bring in the new year right. If you're concerned about your colon health and want help knowing where to start, a colon exam at Gastroenterology Associates is a perfect first step. Our team can help you perpetuate optimal health entering the next year. Contact your nearest Baton Rouge, LA location to schedule a consultation.

How many people are impacted by colon cancer yearly?

Colon cancer is in the top three cancers in the United States, and early detection is the primary way to increase your chances of beating this cancer. About 50,000 people in America pass from colon cancer annually, with the American Cancer Society approximating 106,180 new cases diagnosed yearly.

Colorectal cancer is common; but so is its prevention. A colonoscopy is an easy way to maintain your wellness. This screening can help avoid and catch colorectal cancer before reaching the advanced stages. Get in touch with Gastroenterology Associates to schedule a colonoscopy in Baton Rouge, LA and start this new year with optimal health.

Why is screening for colorectal cancer essential?

Colorectal exams are the gold standard for colon cancer detection and prevention, and understanding their importance could help improve your health and overall quality of life. In simple terms, early detection of cancer of the colon saves lives, as colorectal cancer is treatable when found in the early stages.

Cancer of the colon is generally formed from abnormal growths, known as polyps, in the rectum or colon. A colon cancer screening allows your GI provider to find and even extract these colorectal polyps before they become cancerous. If a precancerous growth is detected during the screening, it can easily be removed during the exam.

Understanding your health is an amazing gift you can give yourself in the new year. As an informed patient, you can make more thoughtful resolutions that will benefit you for the rest of your life.

Who is at risk for colorectal cancer?

Making changes to improve your health begins with informing yourself about your risk of certain medical conditions, including colon cancer. Certain risks for colorectal cancer could impact the type of treatment recommended for you or how often you need to have colon cancer screenings. A few of the risk factors for colon cancer include:

• A diet that does not consist of enough fruits and vegetables
• Smoking
• A history of cancer of the colon
• Lack of regular exercise
• A family history of colon cancer
• If you’ve had radiation to your stomach or pelvic region due to a treatment for other cancers
• A diet consisting of low fiber and high fat or a diet containing a lot of processed meat
• Having an inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis)

You can reduce your chances of colon cancer with healthy diet changes, developing a new exercise method, and colon cancer screenings. Incorporating these steps will give you an edge when it comes to your colon health. A colonoscopy at Gastroenterology Associates can aid you in beginning your journey to a new, healthy version of yourself.

When should you schedule a colonoscopy this year?

Understanding the state of your colon health is smarter than worrying there might be a problem. A regular colon cancer screening can take less than an hour, meaning your appointment should fit into your busy daily life just as easily as your new fitness routine.

The ACS (American Cancer Society) advises that colon cancer screenings start at age 45 for patients at an average risk for colon cancer. If you have optimal health and aren’t at elevated risk, a colon cancer screening every decade should be enough to keep you updated on your colon health.

Once you reach 75, colonoscopy exams are typically performed based on your overall health and your gastroenterologist's recommendations. If you have a personal or family history of colon cancer or polyps, you are at a significant risk for colon cancer. Patients with this increased risk will need to undergo screenings more often to protect their health.

Schedule a colonoscopy in Baton Rouge, LA today

There is no better way to start the coming year than by placing your colon health into your own hands. If you are over the age of 45, are at higher risk of colon cancer due to your lifestyle choices, or have a family history of colon cancer, we suggest you start the new year by scheduling a colonoscopy at Gastroenterology Associates. The procedure can take less than an hour and is a great way to ease your mind that you are in optimal colon health. Contact your nearest Baton Rouge, LA location to get started.