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Check your colon: Doctor explains colon cancer warning signs

Doctors recommend getting a colonoscopy at age 45.

GREENSBORO, N.C. — The American Cancer Society estimates there will be more than 106,000 new cases of colon cancer across the U.S. in 2022. One of those cases impacted the News 2 family. Julie Luck shared her diagnosis in late January.

Julie has endured several rounds of chemo treatment. She had her last infusion in April. We all hope it's her last.

Throughout her fight, Julie has encouraged everyone eligible to get their colonoscopy.

2 Wants to Know spoke with Dr. David Hiller, a colon and rectal surgeon at Novant Health, to learn more about colon cancer and what to expect with colonoscopies.

Colon Cancer

Hiller said the disease happens when someone gets an abnormal growth on the inside of their colon. He said it usually starts to polyp before becoming malignant.

Hiller said family history plays a relatively small role in someone's risk level. He said about 5-10% of people diagnosed with colon cancer have a relative who battled the disease.

Hiller said some studies suggest people that smoke or are obese have a higher risk of developing colon cancer. However, cases are popping up more frequently, and doctors aren't entirely sure why. That means almost everyone is at risk.

Warning Signs

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

Colonoscopies

Hiller said colonoscopies function differently from other screenings. He said doctors can both detect and treat the disease at the same time when it gets caught early as a benign polyp. 

"There's no substitute for a colonoscopy," Hiller said. "It's the gold standard for taking care of this."

Hiller said you meet with your doctor before the procedure to discuss preparation. He said doctors will have you drink something that makes you use the bathroom a lot, so they can see your colon clearly during the colonoscopy.

RELATED: 6 colon cancer screening questions answered

Hiller said most people choose to get sedated during the procedure. He said it lasts about 20 minutes. Hiller said a doctor will observe you after you wake up to make sure you feel okay before letting you go home. 

Hiller said more young people are getting diagnosed with colon cancer. That led to a revised age recommendation of 45 for someone's first colonoscopy.

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