Getting Cheeky: Screening For Colorectal Cancer Is Easier Than Ever
When was the last time you talked about the health of your Colon and Rectum? If you can say never, you are in the majority. Colorectal Cancer is 90% treatable when caught early but there is a lot of taboo talking about it just like anything to do with your bottom. Colorectal Cancer can go unnoticed for years because of this, causing unnecessary pain and illnesses that could be avoided with treatment.
It’s time to break that cycle. Let’s talk booty.
What is Colorectal Cancer?
Colorectal Cancer can be found in the lower intestines usually after the cells in a polyp start growing out of control. Polyps are noncancerous growths in the intestines that can be caused by Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) scar tissue, or even genetics. Polyps aren’t often a problem, but some can lead to Colorectal Cancer.
Men have a 1 in 23 chance of getting Colorectal Cancer and women 1 in 25. It is extremely common, but the good news is that it has a 90% survival rate when caught.
Screenings Save Lives
Thanks to testing becoming more available, Colorectal Cancer is easier to catch than ever. Everyone starting at age 45 should start getting screened regularly. Luckily, regular screening is only every few years based on the test type.
Even so, the American Cancer Society reports that 1 out of 3 people who should be screened don’t get tested. This could be from them not knowing about screenings or wanting to avoid a Colonoscopy. With technology advancing, however, there are so many more ways to test that don’t even require going into the doctor’s office.
Screening Options
Sample Tests:
There are two types of screening options that you can get. The first is Stool-Based Tests. These are non-invasive since they only need to look at your poop for signs of cancer or other problems. These types of tests include:
FIT Kit (Yearly)
Fecal immunochemical test (FIT) kits are a take-home test ordered by your provider. This test looks for blood that can come from sensitive blood vessels in polyps or cancer. Talk to your provider if this option is best for you.
FIT- DNA (Cologuard) (Every 3 Years)
Like the FIT Kit, the Cologuard test can be done at home. It looks for both abnormal cells and blood in the stool samples. Your Chapa-De provider orders the kit, and it is sent directly to you.
Visual Exams:
Visual exams are more of what you might imagine when it comes to Colorectal screenings. These tests look inside both the colon and the intestines to check the health of these organs and to search for cancer and polyps. These include:
Colonoscopy (Every 10 Years)
Your Chapa-De provider submits an order for you to get this done by a specialist who uses a special camera to look inside your intestines and colon through your anus. A benefit of this procedure is that the doctor can take biopsies, or samples, of anything suspicious. Thankfully, you aren’t awake for this, and it is over before you know it. The hardest part is making sure to drink all of the pre-procedure medicine to help clear out your system.
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy (Every 5 Years)
This test is like a Colonoscopy but doesn’t reach as far into the colon. Because of this, your provider might recommend a Colonoscopy over a Flexible Sigmoidoscopy.
CT Colonography (Every 5 Years)
This test is also known as a Virtual Colonoscopy. Like a colonoscopy, it looks at both the intestines and colon for polyps and cancer. What is great about this test is that it is non-invasive, meaning that nothing has to go inside your body like a camera. You still have to drink the pre-procedure medicine to clear out your system. Your Chapa-De provider will refer you out for this test.
Preventive Care: Schedule Now
If you aren’t sure which test is right for you, schedule time with your provider to talk about your options. No matter the test you decide to go with, you are taking a step towards being in control of your health.
AUBURN: (530) 887-2800 | GRASS VALLEY: (530) 477-8545
Chapa-De Indian Health Auburn Grass Valley | Medical Clinic
PASSIONATE PEOPLE. COMPASSIONATE CARE.
Chapa-De provides medical care, dental care, optometry, behavioral health, pharmacy services and much more.
Serving all American Indian, Low Income and Limited Income Community Members
