What makes this especially concerning is that cancer is the second leading cause of death in the U.S. There are many reasons why people avoid cancer screenings. Some may not be aware of what the guidelines are, so they don’t know what cancers they should be screened for and when. Some may worry their health insurance won’t cover it, and are concerned about the cost. Some may be too busy or are unable to take time off work to go. And some may worry what the results of their cancer screening will be, deciding they would rather not know.
Related: 'I Was Diagnosed With Cancer at 16 and Again at 39—These Were the First Symptoms I Noticed'
The Cancer Screening You Shouldn’t Skip
Nora Carol Photography/Getty Images
“Colorectal cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in men under 50,” says Dr. Bill Dahut, MD, the chief scientific officer at American Cancer Society. Dr. Dahut says that it isn’t known for sure why colorectal cancer is becoming more common and why more people 55 and younger are being diagnosed, but it’s likely due to a few reasons.
One likely cause, Dr. Dahut says, is poor diet and lack of exercise. Scientific research shows that diets high in red meat, ultra-processed food, sugar, refined grains and alcohol are associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer—all foods that Americans are eating more of. He says that genetics is also likely a factor.
There are times when people younger than 45 should be screened for colorectal cancer. “One should consider getting a colonoscopy earlier than this if they have a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle or sibling who was diagnosed with colorectal cancer, especially if the diagnosis was at an age less than 10 years prior to the current recommended screening age, which is currently 55,” Dr. Rangaranjan says. He adds that people with inflammatory bowel disease should also be screened earlier because they are at an increased risk.
Dr. Paul Oberstein, MD, a gastrointestinal oncologist with NYU Langone’s Perlmutter Cancer Center, explains that colonoscopies are typically covered by one’s health insurance if they are 45 or older, but recommends checking with your individual provider to be sure. Depending on the results of your colonoscopy, Dr. Dahut says that your doctor will recommend your next one be anywhere from a year later to 10 years later.
Related: 'I'm an Oncologist and This Is the Exact Diet I Follow for Cancer Prevention'
Maybe you’ve been putting off getting a colonoscopy because you just don’t want to go through it. It might sound both uncomfortable and embarrassing. Dr. Dahut emphasizes that it isn’t as bad as most people think.
Dr. Dahut says that any polyps found during the procedure are removed. Afterward, your doctor will go over the results of your colonoscopy with you. Then, you can go home. Not too bad, right?
Up Next:
Related: 'I'm a Gastroenterologist—This Is the One Snack I Wish Everyone Would Avoid'
Sources:
Dr. Bill Dahut, MD, chief scientific officer at American Cancer SocietyDr. Sriram Rangarajan, MD, oncology surgeon with the Orlando Health Colon and Rectal InstituteDr. Paul Oberstein, MD, gastrointestinal oncologist with NYU Langone’s Perlmutter Cancer Center2025 Early Detection Survey. Prevent Cancer FoundationLeading Causes of Death. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. National Center for Health StatisticsIn five cancer types, prevention and screening have been major contributors to saving lives. National Institutes of HealthColorectal Cancer Rates Are Skyrocketing in Young Adults — Is Your Lifestyle Putting You At Risk? Cancer Research Institute Kumar, A., Chinnathambi, S., Kumar, M., et al. (2023). Food Intake and Colorectal Cancer.Nutrition and Cancer. 75(9):1710-1742American Cancer Society Guideline for Colorectal Cancer Screening. American Cancer SocietyScreening and Prevention. Colorectal Cancer AllianceHence then, the article about most people delay this cancer screening but it should be your 1 was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Most People Delay This Cancer Screening—but It Should Be Your 1 )
Also on site :