{"id":399,"date":"2009-06-02T13:25:18","date_gmt":"2009-06-02T17:25:18","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ehealth.cooperhealth.org\/?p=399"},"modified":"2021-10-15T23:11:31","modified_gmt":"2021-10-15T23:11:31","slug":"colonoscopy-defend-colorectal-cancer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.cooperhealth.org\/ehealth\/2009\/06\/02\/colonoscopy-defend-colorectal-cancer\/","title":{"rendered":"Get a Colonoscopy and Defend Yourself Against Colorectal Cancer"},"content":{"rendered":"

With the National Cancer Institute estimating nearly 135,000 new colon cancer cases diagnosed each year, it is surprising that recent figures show that only half of all Americans age 50 and above have had a screening colonoscopy<\/a>.\u00a0 The good news is that when caught early, colorectal cancer is among the most treatable of all types of cancer.<\/p>\n

Unlike other cancers that can appear suddenly and grow quickly, most colon cancers have a long \u201cprecancerous\u201d phase, known as colon polyps, and can exist for several years before becoming cancerous. \u201cIf these polyps are discovered early and removed promptly, the colon cancer can be prevented. Unfortunately, many otherwise health-conscious people have a \u2018don\u2019t-want-to-know\u2019 approach when it comes to protecting themselves against colorectal cancer,\u201d said Cooper University Hospital Gastroenterologist Thomas A. Judge, M.D.<\/p>\n

Colorectal cancer starts with polyps, or growths, in the colon lining.\u00a0 Not all polyps become cancerous, but some polyps, known as adenomas, are the precursors of colorectal cancer.\u00a0 Most polyps cause no symptoms. \u201cThat\u2019s why it\u2019s so important to have regular colorectal cancer screenings,\u201d Dr. Judge said.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t Ignore Symptoms<\/h2>\n

A common symptom of colorectal cancer is a change in bowel habits. (For example: changing from having a bowel movement once a day to having a bowel movement only every two or three days.) Symptoms also include:<\/p>\n