There’s no denying a diagnosis of colon cancer is a scary — and life-altering — experience. But what many people don’t know is that when caught early, colon cancer is highly treatable. In fact, the American Cancer Society notes that when cancer is caught before it spreads, the five-year survival rate exceeds 90%. On the other hand, in later stages, once cancer has spread, that rate drops to 13%.
That difference underscores the extreme importance of early and regular colon cancer screening. Not only can regular screening reduce your risk of developing cancer in the first place, but it can support early treatment that in turn improves your outcome.
At his practice in Deerfield Beach, Florida, Michael H. Tarlowe, MD, helps patients “catch” cancer early using state-of-the-art colonoscopy screening technology for optimally accurate results. In this post, learn how colonoscopy supports early detection and a healthier future.
Most colorectal cancers begin as polyps, fleshy growths that form on the inner lining of your colon or rectum. While not every polyp becomes cancerous, some polyps change over time and eventually lead to cancer.
During a colonoscopy, Dr. Tarlowe visually examines the lining of your colon and rectum, looking for polyps and other “suspicious” tissue. If he spots something unusual, he can remove the polyps and take samples of other tissue during your procedure.
A lab evaluates the samples to determine whether any cancerous tissue is present. If cancer is found, Dr. Tarlowe can determine — based on those lab findings and his visual exam — if you need additional treatment or if close monitoring is a better option. In this way, colonoscopy doesn’t just act as a preventive strategy — it helps identify colon cancer in its earliest and most treatable stages.
If you’re like most people, it can be really tempting to put off screening for one simple reason: You feel perfectly fine.
The problem is, in its early stages, colon cancer rarely causes overtly noticeable symptoms — and polyps may not cause any symptoms, either. By the time you notice symptoms — like bowel changes or blood in your stool — your cancer may have already developed into a more advanced stage, requiring more intensive therapy.
In fact, that’s why colorectal cancer screening recommendations are based primarily on your age and other risk factors, like your personal and family medical history, rather than symptoms. Under current guidelines, the American Cancer Society recommends screening beginning at age 45 for people with an average risk of colorectal cancer and earlier for those at higher risk.
Even though colonoscopy is highly effective at spotting cancer early (so effective, it’s referred to as the “gold standard”), there are alternative tests that can be helpful for some people. These tests use a small stool sample you collect at home. The sample is sent to a lab where it’s evaluated for signs of cancer (typically based on traces of DNA found in stool).
The thing is, if your test shows cancer-related changes, you’ll still need to have a colonoscopy to evaluate those changes further. Having a colonoscopy as your first-line of defense eliminates that extra step while providing clear, visual evidence of your colon health.
Like many cancers, colon cancer tends to happen “in the background,” growing and even spreading long before you notice any symptoms. That’s why making cancer screening part of your regular health routine matters for your current health and your healthy future, too.
If you’re due (or overdue) for your colorectal cancer screening, don’t put off the conversation any longer. Call 954-210-7127 or request an appointment online with Dr. Tarlowe in Deerfield Beach, Florida, today.
