LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month and it's the perfect time to get screened.
Dr. Michael Driscoll from Norton Healthcare visited WDRB Mornings on Thursday to talk about the screening process and offered tips on what you can do to improve your health.
Doctors encourage people 45 and older to get a colonoscopy, especially if you have a family history of it. Early detection leads to more treatment options and higher survival rates, they say.
A recent study showed a 20% increase in younger people getting diagnosed with colon cancer.
A colonoscopy is the most common and accurate screening type, and there are also several stool tests that can be used for screening.
In addition to screening, there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk of colorectal cancer.
Modifying your diet and lifestyle will help reduce the risk, as well as quitting smoking, if that is a habit you have, and include exercise in your daily life.
Screenings are recommended every 10 years. If doctors find an area of concern, they will bump it up to every 1-3 years.
Louisville Health Care Coverage:
- 'Incredible Colon Tour' raises cancer awareness in Louisville
- Louisville doctor offers tips to decrease risk of colon cancer
- JCPS opens new health center at Iroquois High School
- Kentucky congressman says health care transparency bill would create better marketplace
- Goodwill of Kentucky works to break barriers to health care in south Louisville
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