What is colon cancer?
Colon cancer is cancerous cells in the lining of your large intestine. You may also hear the term colorectal cancer, which means cancer in your large intestine or the last six inches of your rectum. Colon cancer usually starts with wart-like tissue growths known as polyps or flat lesions.
It usually takes over a decade for a polyp or flat lesion to become cancerous, and not all polyps or flat lesions become cancerous. But, in those with a history of colorectal cancer or precancerous growths, polyps or flat lesions can become cancerous in a shorter period of time.
What is my risk for colon cancer?
Colon cancer risk is highest for men and women 50 and older, with over 90% of cases occurring in that age group. If you're 50 or older but don't have any other risk factors, you have an average risk for colon cancer. Although men often develop colon cancer at an earlier age, a larger percentage of women develop colon cancer in later life. Over time, the risk for men and women is about equal.
Other risk factors can include:
Family history
If two or more of your closest relatives (parents, siblings, or children) have colorectal cancer, or if one of your closest relatives develops colon cancer before age 60, your colon cancer risk is 3-6 times higher than that of the average population. If one of your immediate relatives develops colon cancer at age 60 or older, your risk is approximately doubled.
Personal history
If you've ever had colon cancer, polyps, or flat lesions, your risk for a recurrence increases. If you develop ovarian or uterine cancer prior to age 50, your risk for colon cancer is increased.
Dr. Hussain assesses your risk factors to determine whether you're likely to develop colon cancer so he can tailor your colon cancer screening plan.
How often do I need colon cancer screening?
Dr. Hussain recommends colon cancer screenings according to your risk level. Most men and women need to start screening at age 50, but if you're at risk, you may need to start earlier. The average age of diagnosis in African-Americans is younger than that of other races, so that's why screening generally starts at 45 for black patients with average risk.
Get colon cancer screening to protect your health now and in the future. Call Northside Gastroenterology Associates or book online now.
