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Talking about cancer screening might seem scary. There is a lot to learn, and the medical language can be hard to understand. But learning about colorectal cancer screening is a great way to look after your health.
These colorectal cancer screening tests find issues early, often long before any signs appear. Finding problems early makes them much easier to treat.
What is Colorectal Cancer?
Think of screening as a preventive hunt for something called polyps. These are small cell clusters that form on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. The important thing to know is that while most colorectal polyps are completely harmless, some have the potential to change into cancer over many years. That's why the central goal of getting screened is to find and painlessly remove these polyps long before they ever become a problem.
Who Needs to Get Screened?
Most average-risk adults should start getting regular screenings at age 45. Our risk of getting this type of cancer goes up as we get older.
However, some people might need to start sooner or get tested more often based on their risk factors. This includes anyone with a close relative who had colorectal cancer, or people with certain health problems like Crohn's disease.
Getting assessed by doctors for procedures like colonoscopy Singapore clinics offer or those near you can help you decide the best plan based on your own health and screening history.
Types of Screening Tests
There are a few different tests available. They mainly fall into two groups: tests that look at your stool and tests that look inside your colon. Your doctor can help you choose the best one for you, especially if you have average risks.
A common test is called a colonoscopy. For this test, a doctor uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera to see the inside of your entire colon. If the doctor sees any polyps or other abnormal findings, they can remove them during the same test. This is a very complete test, and if everything looks normal, you won't need another one for ten years.
Another test is a CT colonography, or virtual colonoscopy. This method uses a special X-ray machine to take pictures of your colon. It is less involved than a regular colonoscopy. But if this test finds any polyps, you will still need a regular colonoscopy to have them removed.
There are also simple tests that you can do at home using stool samples. The FIT test is a type of annual screening that looks for tiny amounts of blood in your stool, which can be a sign of cancer or large polyps. Another option is stool DNA testing, like the Cologuard test, which looks for both blood and changed cells. You do this test every three years. These tests are easy, but remember, if the result is not normal, you will need a colonoscopy next.
Why Screening is So Important
The benefits of getting screened are very strong. Every major cancer screening trial and study of screening has shown that the biggest advantage is that screening can stop cancer before it starts. Finding and removing polyps prevents cancer from ever developing.
Another huge benefit is finding cancer early. If cancer is found at a very early stage, treatment is often much more successful. Early-stage cancers are simpler to treat. The screening on risks and benefits clearly shows that catching cancer early makes a big difference and saves lives.
Finally, screening can give you peace of mind. A normal test result can be a big relief. Knowing you are taking active steps for your health can make you feel more secure.
Answering Common Worries
It is normal to feel nervous about screening. Many people are concerned about the prep for a colonoscopy. You have to drink a special liquid to clean out your colon beforehand. Most people agree that this is the hardest part, but it is a short process that is beneficial for health. Also, you receive medicine to make you sleepy during the test so you will not feel any discomfort.
Some people feel embarrassed. It is important to remember that doctors do these tests every single day. They are focused on keeping you healthy, not on judging you. A small amount of embarrassment is worth it to protect your life.
Conclusion
To wrap up, colorectal cancer screening is a key part of staying healthy. These tests are effective tools that can prevent cancer or find it early when it is easiest to treat. With different choices available, you can find a test that works for you. The brief discomfort of screening is a small price to pay for the protection it provides. Choosing to get screened is a powerful decision for your health.
