More than 145,000 new cases of colon and rectal cancer are diagnosed each year. In many instances, you can prevent colon and rectal cancer with a simple and easy test. The gastroenterology experts at Digestive Disease Care, with seven New York offices in Babylon, Lake Success, East Setauket, Mineola, and Jericho in Long Island, and Forest Hills and Jamaica in Queens, offer colon cancer screenings and provide all options to help you beat this cancer. To schedule your screening, contact one of the offices most convenient by phone or online today.
Colon cancer refers to cancer that starts in your large intestines. When excluding skin cancer, colon cancer is the third most common cancer in both men and women in the United States.
You can develop colon cancer at any age. However, most people diagnosed with colon cancer are over age 50. Your cancer may come from a noncancerous polyp, which is a growth that develops along the wall of your large intestines. Polyps are usually small and don’t cause symptoms.
Your colon cancer screenings focus on finding and removing polyps before they turn cancerous.
The gastroenterology experts at Digestive Disease Care determine if you’re a good candidate for colon cancer screening during a consultation. In general, colon cancer screenings should start at age 50, and then follow-up screenings at regular intervals.
However, the team may recommend colon cancer screening before you reach 50 if you have:
If you have concerns about colon cancer, contact Digestive Disease Care to schedule a consultation. The full-service practice also offers direct access colonoscopy, so your primary care physician can refer you for screening without the need for a prior office visit.
There are many colon cancer screening tests. Some of the approved tests include:
However, the team at Digestive Disease Care considers the colonoscopy the best colon cancer screening tool and the most thorough way to detect and remove colorectal polyps and diagnose colon cancer.
During a colonoscopy, the gastroenterology team at Digestive Disease Care uses a colonoscope to evaluate your entire colon for abnormalities. Your gastroenterologist removes any polyps found during your colonoscopy and sends them to a lab for analysis.
In order to get the most accurate results, your entire colon needs to be clear of stool and waste. The team provides precise instructions, including bowel prep medications that you need to follow before your colonoscopy. During your colonoscopy procedure, they provide a sedative to ease anxiety and discomfort.
To schedule your colon cancer screening, call Digestive Disease Care, or book online today.
