3 Facts Everyone Should Know About Colon Cancer

Chances are you’ve heard how critical it is to get a colonoscopy when you reach a certain age. Not unlike mammograms for women, these are important screenings that shouldn't be delayed, since early detection is pivotal to the successful treatment of cancer.

Dr. Luis Quinones offers expert care to patients seeking a colonoscopy as well as those who are experiencing symptoms they suspect may be colon cancer or are at higher risk for the condition. Dr. Quinones and the Q&S Surgical team in Decatur and Lithonia, Georgia, want to be your care partners to support your digestive health.

How does colon cancer develop?

Colon cancer starts from abnormal polyps that develop in your colon. The larger the polyps get, the more tissue they invade. This increases the risk of them becoming cancerous. 

It’s important to be familiar with the signs and symptoms of colon cancer, which include cramps and gassiness, the sudden development of diarrhea or constipation, rectal bleeding, and stools that are noticeably narrower or a different color or consistency. You may also experience fatigue and a feeling that you aren’t quite done after you have a bowel movement.

You’re at higher risk for colon cancer if you have a family history of the disease or live with inflammatory bowel disease, but lifestyle practices can also significantly impact your risk. This includes:

• Not getting enough exercise
• A poor diet that’s low in fiber
• Smoking
• Drinking alcohol
• Obesity

You’re also at increased risk for colon cancer if you’re African-American. And simply getting older — above the age of 50 — is a risk factor. 

Three critical colon cancer facts you should be aware of

Some facts about colon cancer may surprise you, and they’re important to know.

1. Colon cancer by the numbers

Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths for both men and women in the United States. This translates to a chilling 140 people per day, and over 153,000 people are expected to be diagnosed this year alone. 

Since colon cancer symptoms don’t show up until the disease has progressed, this is another reason screening is such an important tool.

2. Colon cancer screening recommendations have changed

We don’t know exactly why yet, but more and more younger adults are getting diagnosed with colon cancer. For this reason, the recommended age to get your first colonoscopy, if you’re at average risk, has changed from age 50 to 45. 

3. Colonoscopy is the gold standard for testing

Before your procedure begins, you’re anesthetized. Then your doctor inserts a colonoscope rectally so they can see your large intestine well and identify any polyps. If they see any, they can remove them then and there for testing. 

So, you could say that a colonoscopy is both a screening and a treatment all in one if polyps are found — and potentially lifesaving at that.

If you’re diagnosed with colon cancer, or abnormal polyps that cannot be removed with a colonoscopy, Dr. Quinones creates a treatment plan that features the best, least invasive approaches that are customized to your situation. 

These approaches include state-of-the-art laparoscopic surgery that allows Dr. Quinones better precision and control during the procedure. We are now using the da Vinci® robotic surgical system, which enables Dr. Quinones to have even more control. 

These minimally invasive procedures only require Dr. Quinones to make small incisions, so your recovery is faster and you experience less pain, bleeding, and scarring. 

If it’s time for you to have a colonoscopy, call our office today to schedule an appointment at our office closest to you or click online to book anytime.