Over the age of 50? Then it is time for a colonoscopy. Colonoscopies are screenings designed to detect colon polyps and cancer. Polyps are cells that have clumped together and are generally harmless, however, when left undetected and untreated, they can turn cancerous. Sometimes colon polyps cause symptoms including:
- Constipation or diarrhea that lasts longer than a week
- Stools looking black or streaked with red
- Tiredness and shortness of breath due to loss of blood through your stools
- Abdominal pain
- Rectal bleeding
While some polyps remain benign and others become cancerous, you can reduce your risk of both types of polyps by:
- Eating lots of fruits and vegetables
- Reducing alcohol consumption
- Quitting smoking
Talk to your health care provider about your family history and scheduling a colonoscopy.
Mayo Clinic. (2023, March 2). Colon Polyps. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/colon-polyps/symptoms-causes/syc-20352875