It is important that you visit your doctor once you have reached a certain age. Your risk of developing certain diseases or conditions increases as you age. It is, therefore, more important to have regular screenings. Colon cancer remainss something you need testing for on a regular basis. A colonoscopy exists as a procedure examining the inside of your colon to detect any unusualities. Colon cancer screening usually occurs in the latter decades of life. Let’s look at your options for colon cancer screening.
Options for Colon Cancer Screening
You might be able to choose from several colon cancer screening tests if your doctor recommends it. Even if you are reluctant to make a decision, any discomfort or embarrassment caused by colon cancer screening can be temporary. Early detection could save your life. Let’s look at the various colon cancer screening options available through your gastroenterologist in Los Angeles.
What is a Colonoscopy?
Before you can determine if you require one, it is important to know what it does. Colonoscopy is a precise test that scans your colon for cancer. The procedure involves the use of a small instrument that is inserted into your colon and rectum to screen for cancer.
A colonoscopy should be done every five to ten years. However, you don’t have to do it every year unless your doctor recommends it.
Why Test for Colon Cancer?
Colon cancer is very common in older adults, particularly those over 50. Colon cancer ends up caused by polyps in the colon. We can remove these during a screening. And then we can test them for cancer. We can also call this type of cancer colorectal carcinoma. It can prove detected easily with regular screenings. To prevent them from becoming cancerous, it is important to monitor the growth of polyps.
We recommend screening every five to ten years. However, you might need to see the doctor more often if you have IBS or Chron’s disease. If a family member has had to deal with colon cancer or inflammatory bowel issues in the past, you will need to schedule more frequent screenings.
Colonoscopy as a Standard Screening Method
Why is it so important to have a colonoscopy every other year? This vital test can check your intestines for harmful substances. A colonoscopy may be recommended by your doctor to:
- Check for colon cancer. Your doctor will recommend that you have a colon cancer screening every five to ten years.
- Identify your internal symptoms. A colonoscopy may help to determine the cause of persistent bleeding, abdominal pain, or other discomforts.
- Polyps can be found. You should immediately have any polyps found in your intestine removed. You will need to have a follow-up procedure and a second colonoscopy to check for additional polyps.
You might be able to start screening for colon cancer earlier than 50 if you have had a history of polyps. Your gastroenterologist should be in constant communication to determine what is best for you.
DNA Stool Test as a Secondary Screening Method
A stool DNA test may end up available if you do not want a colonoscopy. Or if your doctor has offered you other options. A stool DNA test examines a sample from your stool and looks for DNA changes that could indicate colon cancer or other pre-cancerous conditions. Still, a stool DNA test will also look for blood in your stool.
This test requires that you take a stool sample from your home and send it to the laboratory. The stool DNA test usually repeats every three years. Although it is less painful and more complicated than a colonoscopy (which can be very costly), it may miss some red flags that a colonoscopy could detect.
Schedule the Appropriate Screening Appointment Today
You should schedule an appointment right away if you see the signs that you might need a stool test or a colonoscopy in Los Angeles. Dr. Tabib will gladly walk you through the process and help you to create a plan for your preventative care. If you are over 50, this advanced procedure should be considered on an annual basis depending on the state of your health and testing needs. Get in touch with us today to start on your personalized care plan ASAP!
