While colon cancer is relatively common among Los Angeles County patients, that does not necessarily mean that it is well understood by the general public. Most people in Glendora go for a regular colonoscopy in order to benefit from early detection of colon cancer and enjoy the most successful treatment options. However, it’s important to understand these myths and facts about this type of cancer.
What are Common Myths About Colon Cancer?
You can only be diagnosed with colon cancer if you have a family history of this disease.
Many people assume colon cancer is the type of cancer you are only at risk for if you have a family history, but 80 percent of people who are diagnosed with colon cancer have no family history whatsoever. If you do have a family history of colon cancer, you should be screened for this disease earlier in life.
If a doctor finds a polyp, it means that you have colon cancer.
The fact is that a polyp is the growth that will eventually form into cancer if it is left unfound and unchecked by a medical expert. Most people who have polyps will find that they are benign. If a polyp is found, this growth is immediately removed during the colonoscopy procedure which significantly decreases the risk of cancer.
All colon cancer screening procedures are equal and will detect cancer as well as the next.
There are many different colon cancer screening procedures, but the colonoscopy is truly the best option. This procedure provides the most effective screening for cancer, and if polyps are discovered the growths can be removed during the procedure itself.
This makes it the safest and most effective screening procedure for colon cancer and can significantly reduce a patient’s risk of developing colon cancer in the long-term.
Being diagnosed with colon cancer means that the patient is dying.
Actually, patients who are diagnosed with colon cancer in its early stages have a high chance of successful treatment. Colon cancer is treatable in 90 percent of cases, as long as it is detected early. This is why regular screenings are essential.
Colonoscopy procedures are expensive, and many patients cannot afford them.
Talk with your insurance provider, as most will cover the colonoscopy procedure. Even Medicare covers the cost of a colonoscopy. Some patients may have co-pays, which will vary based on the plan and provider.
A colonoscopy is a pivotal part of your general health plan, for it is the best way to detect colon cancer as early as possible. Patients who are due for a colonoscopy and want to learn more about their own personal risk factors for being diagnosed with colon cancer should set up an appointment with a general surgeon as soon as possible.
These surgeons are experts in this region of the body and can help you understand your own risks and concerns when it comes to this type of cancer. This will determine when and how often you should have a colonoscopy performed.
