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Colorectal Cancer Screenings

Protect your health with regular screenings by trusted endoscopists.

colonoscopy

Colorectal cancer generally begins as small, noncancerous growths called polyps.  It is when these polyps go undetected that they can become something more serious.  But, with regular colorectal cancer  screenings, our board-certified gastroenterologists can find and remove these polyps before they become cancerous.

Are you at risk?

Colorectal cancer is most common in people 50 and older, and those with a family history of the disease or a personal history of colorectal cancer, polyps or inflammatory bowel disease. Unfortunately, by the time symptoms are present, colorectal cancer can be in advanced stages. Although the good news is, if it is diagnosed and treated early, colorectal cancer is highly survivable.

Regular Colorectal Cancer Screenings can save your life.

The best defense against colorectal cancer is regular screenings.  In general, colorectal cancer screenings begin at age 50, earlier for people with higher risks (such as family history). Colonoscopy, the “gold standard” 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 Cancer Screening performed at Midwest Endoscopy Center

Our skilled endoscopists 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, in addition to taking your medical history to identify any risk factors and performing a digital rectal exam.

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. You are awake during this procedure, but you may be given medication to help you relax. During the test, your doctor guides a thin, flexible, lighted tube (sigmoidoscope) through your rectum and lower colon and the images are displayed on a video screen. Polyps are removed, if possible, and sent to a lab for further testing.Colonoscopy Screening performed at Midwest Endoscopy Center

The 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. Most often, you collect this sample at home using a  kit and bring it to the Quest Lab Technician located in our office.

Barium Enema uses x-rays to provide images of the entire colon and rectum. A soft tube is inserted into the rectum to fill the colon with a contrast liquid (barium) that helps the colon show up clearly on the x-rays. You are awake for the test, but you may be given medication to help you relax. You will need to have a responsible adult with you for the procedure since you will be unable to drive if you have taken the medication.

Virtual colonoscopy uses computerized tomography (CT) to create a 3-dimensional view of the colon. You lie on a table while a small tube is inserted into the rectum. Then, the table is moved into the machine and images are taken of your colon. A computer combines these photos to create a dimensional picture.

Risks and possible complications

  • Bleeding
  • A puncture or tear in the colon
  • Risks of anesthesia
  • Failure to detect a polyp

Don’t take a chance with your health. Be screened regularly. And for skill and accuracy, trust the team who’s leading the way in compassionate, experienced and result-driven care. Call us today at (630) 527-6450 or Request an Appointment online.

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Suburban Gastroenterology