Encouraging news today about colon cancer prevention. New research suggests routine colonoscopy can significantly reduce your risk for late-stage disease.
Researchers reviewed health records from more than 1,000 adults between the ages of 55 and 85. 474 had been diagnosed with colon cancer, 538 patients without cancer were selected for comparison.
Those screened with colonoscopy had a 70% overall reduction in the risk for late-stage colorectal cancer diagnosis, including right-sided colon cancer. Right-sided colon cancer accounts for about 50% of new cases in the U.S.
The team also found that sigmoidoscopy, which focuses on the lower part of the large intestine, was associated with a substantially reduced risk for late-stage disease in the left colon, but not the right.
The current recommendation is to start screening for colon-rectal cancer at 50. This study indicates it's something well worth scheduling.
I'm Dr. Cindy Haines of HealthDay TV with health information for healthier living.
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