Colon Cancer
A Healthcare System You Can Trust
Recent studies have shown that colonoscopies can save lives. Due to this cancer being highly curable (if detected early enough), CHRISTUS Health board-certified physicians highly recommend individuals to receive their initial colon screening at age 50. If you or a loved one could benefit from a preventive screening, turn to our compassionate team. We have the skillset and advanced technology to diagnose and treat colon cancer close to home.
Symptoms
By the time most people have symptoms listed below, their chances of survival may be reduced. Common signs of colon cancer may include:
- Change in bowel movement (diarrhea or constipation)
- Bloody stool
- Constant pain in the abdominal area (cramps, acid reflux, or pain)
- Fatigue and lethargic
- Excessive weight loss
Common Colorectal Cancer Risk Factors
Individuals with the following risk factors should consult with their CHRISTUS physician about starting colorectal cancer screening earlier or get screened more frequently:
- Personal history of colorectal cancer or adenomatous polyps
- Personal history of chronic inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis)
- Strong family history of colorectal cancer or polyps (cancer or polyps in a first-degree relative [parent, sibling, or child] younger than 60 or in 2 or more first-degree relatives of any age)
- Known family history of hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer (HNPCC)
For more information visit the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy at https://www.asge.org/.