We provide efficient and effective screening for colorectal cancer. Contact our office to schedule your screening.
What is Colon Cancer?
Colon cancer is cancer of the large intestine and usually begins as small, benign, cell clumps known as colon polyps. Many colon polyps are small and not harmful, but some can progress into colon cancer, and for that reason, regular colon screenings are recommended.
Symptoms of Colon Cancer
- Change in bowel movements
- Blood in the stool
- Rectal bleeding
- Abdominal discomfort
- Fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss.
Risks of Colon Cancer
The causes of colon polyps are unknown, though genetics can play a factor. There is no way to know which polyps may turn cancerous, though the larger polyps are the ones that most commonly progress to cancer. If you experience a change in bowel movements, blood in the stool, rectal bleeding, abdominal discomfort or pain, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss, or are in a high risk group for colon cancer (factors include being over 50, having a family history of colon cancer, being overweight, fatty diets, and smoke and alcohol use), you should submit to regular colon cancer screenings.
Why are screenings necessary?
Colon cancer begins as polyps that develop within the lining of the colon. If left undetected, these polyps will continue to grow. Once they are large enough, they become cancerous and can continue to spread throughout the colon.
Colon cancer develops slowly, sometimes taking up to a decade to develop. This means that the screening tool that we use here at our practice is the best way to catch and remove the polyps before they even have the ability to turn cancerous.
How do you screen for colon cancer?
While there are a few options when it comes to screening for colon cancer, the “gold standard” is a colonoscopy, a quick inpatient procedure in which we guide a scope into the rectum and through the colon to examine the lining and to look for and remove any polyps or cancerous growths. A patient is under sedation while the procedure is performed, and it typically only takes about 20-30 minutes to complete; however, the procedure may take up to an hour if we have to remove polyps.
Who should get screened for colon cancer?
Both men and women with a moderate risk for colon cancer should begin to get colonoscopies every 10 years once they reach 50 years old; however, if you have a family history of colon polyps or colon cancer, talk with our gastroenterologist about getting screened at 45 years old. Your lifestyle, health, and family medical history will determine your risk for colon cancer and from there we can decide how often and when to start getting routine colon cancer screenings.
Contact Waco Gastroenterology Associates Today.
To find out more about colon cancer screenings talk with a team member at Waco Gastroenterology Associates. You us reach them in the office by calling (254) 537-0911, so call today.