Are you at risk?
The best defense against colorectal cancer is regular screenings. In general, colorectal cancer screenings begin at age 45, earlier for people with higher risks such as family history. A colonoscopy, the best screening method, allows direct visual examination of the inside of the entire colon. Also, any precancerous polyps found during the screening can be removed during the procedure, preventing their progression to colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer generally begins as small, noncancerous growths called polyps. It is when these polyps go undetected that they can become something more serious. With regular colorectal cancer screenings, our board-certified gastroenterologists can find and remove these polyps before they become cancerous.
Our skilled physicians offer security & peace of mind.
At Suburban Gastroenterology, our board-certified gastroenterologists have performed thousands of colonoscopies safely and effectively. Well-trained and experienced, our specialists have a record of detecting polyps that exceeds the national average. In addition, we perform the majority of our colonoscopy screenings in the comfort and privacy of our freestanding, state-of-the-art endoscopy center using the very latest high-definition equipment. As a result, we not only ensure your greatest comfort but also can schedule you more easily.
Types of Screening
Our doctors use a variety of tests to screen for colorectal cancer. It is important to note that your physician will decide which type of screening procedure will work best for you.
- Colonoscopy is the best test for finding and removing colorectal polyps. You receive intravenous sedation and then a flexible, lighted tube (colonoscope) is gently inserted into the rectum and guided through the entire colon. Images of the colon are viewed on a video screen and polyps that are found are removed and sent to a lab for further testing. If a polyp cannot be removed, a sample of tissue is taken and the polyp is removed later during surgery.
- Sigmoidoscopy is similar to a colonoscopy but focuses only on the sigmoid colon and rectum, the last 2 feet of the large intestine. A flex sig can examine symptoms including abdominal pain, diarrhea and rectal bleeding. While a flex sig an option to screen for colon cancer, a colonoscopy is the best option as it allows the physician to view the entire colon for polyps, lesions and other abnormalities.
- Fecal occult blood test / FIT / Cologuard checks for any blood hidden in stool that may be a sign of colon polyps or abnormal DNA changes from possible cancerous cells. A small sample of stool is tested for blood in a laboratory. A couple things to keep in mind with the fecal occult blood test:
- If you have a positive fecal occult blood test, you may still need a colonoscopy.
- The test isn’t always accurate. You could have a false positive or false negative test.
- Barium Enema is a special x-ray used to help diagnose problems of the large intestine which includes the colon and rectum. It is called a barium enema x-ray because the large intestine is filled with barium liquid. The barium liquid coats the lining of the large intestine and clearly displays any signs of disease or abnormalities on the x-ray. Your physician may have ordered this procedure, which is done at a hospital or outpatient clinic.
- Virtual colonoscopy uses CT (computerized tomography) to create 3-D images of the colon.
Lifestyle changes can help reduce your risk of colon cancer:
- If you smoke, you should stop.
- Consume a variety of vegetables, fruits and whole grain. Many of those foods contain fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants which can possibly prevent cancer.
- Limit alcohol to no more than one drink a day for women and two drinks a day for men.
- Exercise at least 30 minutes a day and maintain a healthy weight.
Sources
Mayo Clinic. Colon Cancer. 2023. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/colon-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20353669
National Institute of Health-National Cancer Institute. Colorectal Cancer Screening. 2023. https://www.cancer.gov/types/colorectal/patient/colorectal-screening-pdq
