Colon Health

Call 270.251.4575

Know your risks. Get screened. Stay healthy.

Colon cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer and a leading cause of death for both men and women. Most colorectal cancers start as polyps. And while most polyps aren’t dangerous, some can turn into cancer. Colonoscopies can help spot colon cancer early and make treatment easier. They can also help identify and remove colorectal polyps before they become cancerous. The five-year survival rate for early detected colon cancer is about 90%, but only four out of 10 colon cancers are found that early.

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Colon Cancer

Who is at Greater Risk?

According to the American Cancer Society, certain people are at greater risk for developing colon cancer. These include people with:

A personal history of colorectal cancer or certain types of polyps
A family history of colorectal cancer
A personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease)
A confirmed or suspected hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome, such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or Lynch syndrome (hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer or HNPCC)
A personal history of getting radiation to the abdomen (belly) or pelvic area to treat a prior cancer

Who Should Get Screened?

According to the American Cancer Society:

People at average risk of colorectal cancer should start regular screening at age 45
People who are in good health and with a life expectancy of more than 10 years should continue regular colorectal cancer screening through the age of 75
For people ages 76 through 85, the decision to be screened should be based on a person’s preferences, life expectancy, overall health and prior screening history
People over 85 should no longer get colorectal cancer screening

How to Lower the Risk

There are some habits you can maintain or avoid to help reduce your risk for developing colorectal cancer. These include:

Maintaining a healthy body weight
Getting regular exercise
Limiting red and processed meats
Eating more fruits, vegetables and whole grains
Limiting alcohol use
Quitting smoking

A colonoscopy procedure is easier than you might think. Talk with your provider about your risks and the right time to schedule your colonoscopy. If you are 45 or older and have not been screened, the time is now. Do not delay the care you need.

GI Physicians

Jackson Purchase Medical Center houses two GI doctors as well as two APRNs in the field.

We are no longer requiring a physician's referral to schedule a colonoscopy or a GI office visit. To schedule an appointment, call 270.251.4575.