When it comes to types of cancer diagnosed in men, colorectal or colon cancer closely follows skin and prostate cancer and is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths. The death rate for colorectal cancer has dropped in recent years, attributed to an uptick in screenings and improvements in treatment methods.
Patients who participate in screenings are more likely to find polyps and have them removed before they develop into cancer. When colorectal cancer is discovered during a screening, it is generally found early when it is easier to treat.
Because of the prevalence of colon cancer, adults are recommended to begin screening at age 45. There are various types of screening options available for colon cancer. Men are encouraged to discuss these with their family doctor during routine wellness exams. Based on risk factors and the patient’s family history, a physician will recommend the appropriate screening test.
Once a physician has decided to schedule a colonoscopy for a patient, Pikeville Medical Center has several general surgeons and specialists who regularly perform colonoscopies as a screening tool for colon cancer. If cancer is found, the Lawson Cancer Center at Pikeville Medical Center has a full-service team, including a surgical oncologist, hematologists, medical oncologists and three radiation oncologists ready to work together to develop an aggressive treatment plan.
For more information about the Lawson Cancer Center at PMC, visit https://www.pikevillehospital.org/cancer/
