Those Testy Polyps

March 5, 2019

Imagine being able to proactively prevent cancer! That's what your colorectal screening test does! Right there, any potentially problematic polyps are removed. And it is those polps, which tend to grow in our large intestines as we age, that turn into colon cancer. So spotting them and removing them greatly reduces one's risk for getting colon cancer. Here at Copiah County Medical Center we are dedicated to our patient's well being. Our goal is to ensure that you going through the screening process is handled in a caring, compassionate manner. We take the time to answer all your questions and concerns about the process.

Like all cancers, early detection is the key. That makes screening not just for the over 50 crowd. In fact, the Colorectal Cancer Alliance shows that colorectal cancer is appearing in more and more young people, with 11% of new colon cancer cases and 18% of all new rectal cancer cases occur in people under the age of 50.

The warning signs of colorectal cancer can be vague and can vary from patient to patient, the key is to notice a progression of symptoms. If you have multiple symptoms lasting longer than a month, the best thing you can do is set up an appointment here at Copiah County Medical Center and get checked. The Mayo Clinic cites the following symptoms as the most common:

A change in your bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation or a change in the consistency of your stool, that lasts longer than four weeks
Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool
Persistent abdominal discomfort, such as cramps, gas or pain
A feeling that your bowel doesn't empty completely
Weakness or fatigue
Unexplained weight loss

According to the Mississippi Department of Health, there are some additional things that you can do to prevent colorectal cancer.

These include:
Get regular screening tests
Exercise regularly, and maintain a healthy weight.
Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
Don't smoke, and don't drink alcohol excessively.
Screening for colorectal cancer has come a long way from even 10 years ago, so if you've put your appointment on hold, this Spring is the perfect time to schedule one here with us at Copiah County Medical Center, your family's hometown healthcare team!