Healthy Living Q&A

Early Detection Best Method for Beating Colon Cancer

Q: My father died of colon cancer. Does that increase my risk?

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"It raises the suspicion of a heredity link," says Tri Vu, M.D., a cancer and blood disease specialist at Kelsey-Seybold Clinic. "I suggest you consider having a colonoscopy."

A colonoscopy is the most reliable test for detecting precancerous polyps and cancers in the colon. Dr. Vu typically recommends this screening for men and women beginning at age 50. However, if a patient has a family history of colorectal cancer or has chronic colitis, he recommends more frequent colonoscopies beginning at an earlier age.

"Fortunately, we've opened a new, state-of-the-art endoscopy suite at our Spring Medical and Diagnostic Clinic that's dedicated to the prevention, screening, detection, diagnosis, treatment and removal of precancerous and cancerous abnormalities affecting the gastrointestinal tract," Dr. Vu says.

Other cancers are also addressed at the clinic.

"You can decrease your chance of getting colon cancer by eating a diet that is low in fat and red meat but high in fiber, and by exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy body weight," he says.

Dr. Vu wants everyone to know the warning symptoms of colon cancer, which include rectal bleeding, prolonged diarrhea or constipation, and chronic abdominal pain.

"Should you have symptoms, see a specialist immediately. Early detection is a vital key to beating cancer," he concludes.

Dr. Vu cares for patients at Kelsey-Seybold's Spring Medical and Diagnostic Center and Main Campus locations.