Colon Cancer Screening in Texas
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Find a ProviderWhat is a colon cancer screening?
Colorectal cancer ranks as the third most frequently diagnosed form of cancer and is notably preventable. The large intestine, comprising the colon and rectum, functions in water absorption, nutrient assimilation from digested food, and solid waste storage until elimination.
Screening for colon cancer involves searching for polyps and malignant growths on the colon and rectum's inner lining before any gastrointestinal symptoms appear. Polyps are benign growths that may potentially turn cancerous. Early identification and removal of these polyps and cancerous growths can avert severe health issues and mortality from colon cancer.
The experienced gastroenterologists at Texas Digestive Disease Consultants consistently perform screenings for colon cancer and recommend that individuals start getting screened at age 45. To schedule a screening, please reach out to a location in Texas near you.
What are the benefits of a colon cancer screening?
Regular screenings for colon and rectal cancer are crucial for maintaining both general and gastrointestinal health. Among the various screening methods, such as stool tests, colonoscopy stands out as the sole preventive measure against colorectal cancer. The advantages of colorectal cancer screenings include:
- A potentially life-saving procedure
- Early detection of colon or rectal cancer
- Identification and removal of polyps in the colon and rectum
- Possible prevention of colon cancer
- Detection of other gastrointestinal conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease
Colon cancer might not manifest any signs until it is quite advanced. Regular screenings allow your doctor to detect any issues or conditions early, enhancing the chances of successful treatment.
What options do I have for colon cancer screening?
Discussing the timing and type of colon cancer screenings with a gastrointestinal (GI) specialist is crucial. Various tests can be employed to detect colon cancer, including:
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy: This procedure uses a sigmoidoscope—a thin, flexible tube equipped with a camera—to inspect the rectum and lower part of the colon. The device is inserted into the rectum to transmit images to a monitor, allowing for biopsy and removal of certain polyps. However, for a comprehensive examination of the entire colon and removal of all polyps or tumors, a colonoscopy is necessary. The risks associated with this test are minimal but include potential bowel perforation, bleeding, and infection.
- Colonoscopy: Similar to a sigmoidoscope, a colonoscope is longer and designed to examine the entire colon. Inserted through the rectum, it enables doctors to view and capture images of the entire colon and use specialized tools to perform biopsies and remove polyps. Sedation is typically required for this procedure, which carries a slight risk of complications such as bowel tears, bleeding, or infections. This test is essential as it is the only comprehensive strategy for colorectal prevention.
- Virtual colonoscopy: Utilizing computed tomography (CT) scanning, this noninvasive test captures cross-sectional images of the colon while the patient lies on a CT scanner table. No sedation is required, but any detected abnormalities necessitate a conventional colonoscopy for polyp or tumor removal.
- Double-contrast barium enema: In this procedure, a tube is inserted into the rectum to administer a mixture of barium sulfate and air, which coats the colon walls. Subsequent x-rays of the colon highlight any internal abnormalities. Similar to other screening methods, any detected issues require a follow-up colonoscopy for the removal of abnormalities.
- Fecal test: Safe and noninvasive, fecal tests analyze stool samples for hidden problems in the gastrointestinal tract. Although not definitive, these tests can indicate potential issues:
- Fecal occult blood tests use a chemical reaction to detect invisible blood in the stool.
- Fecal immunochemical tests identify hidden blood through a specific reaction to blood proteins.
- Stool DNA tests search for abnormal DNA from cancerous growths or polyps in the stool. Positive results from these tests typically lead to a follow-up colonoscopy.
Who might be at risk for colorectal cancer?
Several factors increase the risk of developing colon cancer, including:
- Individuals aged 45 and older
- Those with familial adenomatous polyposis, a condition characterized by the development of numerous polyps in the colon and rectum
- Individuals who have previously had colon cancer or women who have had breast, ovarian, or uterine cancer
- People with close relatives (parents, siblings, or children) who have or had colon cancer
- Those suffering from ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
- Individuals with a sedentary lifestyle, poor dietary habits, and smokers
Request a colorectal cancer screening today
Colon cancer can be effectively detected and prevented at an early stage with regular screenings. If you are over the age of 45 or have other risk factors for colon cancer, consider scheduling a screening at a location in Texas near you. Texas Digestive Disease Consultants, a physician-led network of gastroenterologists, prioritizes patient care and utilizes the latest technology to support digestive health. For more information or to arrange a screening, contact an office in your community today.
Colon Cancer Screening FAQs
Why is colon cancer screenings important?
Colon cancer typically develops from irregular growths in the colon or rectum called polyps. During a colonoscopy screening, these precancerous growths can be extracted to help lessen the chance of and potentially even prevent the development of this cancer. Having regular colorectal cancer screenings may also allow physicians to identify cancer that is already present. If colon cancer is caught in the early stages, it may be simpler to treat.
When should I start scheduling colon cancer screenings?
It is advised that people who carry an average risk begin having regular colorectal cancer screenings at 45. Adults with an increased risk might need earlier screenings. Your gastrointestinal provider can help you determine exactly when you should begin your colon cancer screenings.
How frequently should I undergo a colon cancer screening?
The intervals at which you should have colorectal cancer screenings can depend on the type of screening being performed. In general, people aged 45 and over should undergo a colonoscopy screening once every decade when they are at average risk of developing colon or rectal cancer and have normal colonoscopy results. Patients with a significantly high risk should have colonoscopy screenings a minimum of once every five years. To learn how frequently you should arrange for a colorectal cancer screening, please consult your gastrointestinal specialist.
How should I prep for a colon cancer screening?
The preparation process for a colon cancer screening will vary according to the type of screening you are having. Prior to a colonoscopy screening, detailed information on how to prepare will be given by your GI team to clean out your colon. Your GI specialist may also provide specific instructions to follow in the days leading up to your exam. It is vital to follow your provider's instructions to help make sure they can identify any issues when conducting your screening for colorectal cancer.
Reviews
My name is Jaynie and I can’t say enough how grateful I am to have found DR Tsiakos he’s such an amazing doctor so efficient gentle and caring . He truly cares about his patients and being diagnosed with colon cancer at a young age he is so compassionate and mindful of everything I have gone through this year . Communicated with my oncologist to make sure I get the best care . I am now In remission and got my colonoscopy he pretty much held my hand through the process of nervousness and worry . He’s truly an angel thank you doctor !
Jody Houston and his staff are very concerned about keeping you healthy. My 5 year colonoscopy was due and his office did not stop until they made an appointment with. Spoke to Dr Houston and his words were you are not getting colon cancer on my watch. He is the best by far you owe it to yourself to use his services.
I have a family history of colon cancer so have gone to Dr. Mehta several times for colonoscopy. He and his team are always efficient, professional, and courteous. Highly recommended
I had my annual visit for my stomach problem and 5 year check to schedule my colonoscopy for prevention of family history of colon cancer. Dr. Mani and staff treated me with the utmost care. Everything was done very professionally, polite and friendly. Thank you for your service.
Dr. Steephen is awesome. I have know Dr Steephen since 2001, when my husband was diagnosed with colon cancer. Dr. Steephen is compassionate, caring, professional, honest and a wonderful human being. I would and have recommended her for years and continue to be a loyal patient.
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