ASK THE EXPERTS: Is there an age at which I should start talking with my doctor about colon health?

ASK THE EXPERTS: Is there an age at which I should start talking with my doctor about colon health?

"Colorectal cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow and divide in the lower part of your digestive tract. Your risk of colorectal cancer increases with age. People ages 65 to 74 are most likely to develop the disease. However, in recent years, more younger adults are being diagnosed. Now, about one in 10 cases of colorectal cancer occurs in those ages 50 and younger. Armed with this evidence, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force changed its recommendations to say that adults ages 45 to 50 can benefit from having a colonoscopy. Colonoscopies can actually remove abnormal growths in your colon and rectum. This procedure doesn’t just spot cancer — they may prevent it. Talk with your provider about your risks and health history to develop a plan to protect your health."

- Matthew Eves, MD

Schedule an appointment today with the team at Gulf Coast Gastroenterology, call 251-990-0360.

This article originally was featured in our latest issue of BEST Magazine. BEST is a healthcare publication that provides our readers with the latest news and information from Infirmary Health. Read more here.