Colon Cancer Screening

New studies show that many people benefit from colon cancer screenings beginning around age 45 rather than the previously recommended 50. At Gastrointestinal Specialists of Long Island in Wantagh and Malverne, New York, gastroenterologists Jeffrey Novak, MD, and Zachary Marwil, MD, perform several colon cancer screenings. These include fecal blood occult tests and colonoscopies. Call Gastrointestinal Specialists of Long Island today or schedule an appointment online to learn more.

What is a colon cancer screening?

A colon cancer screening is a preventive exam that your gastroenterologist uses to check for signs of colorectal cancer, or colon cancer, a disease that affects the colon and/or rectum. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends beginning screenings around age 45 to identify early signs of disease.

Regular screenings are essential to prevent colon cancer. The disease is usually slow-growing and rarely causes symptoms until it progresses. Early intervention detects colon cancer early and helps you avoid the more invasive treatments.

Who needs a colon cancer screening?

Everybody should have regular colon cancer screenings. Some people should visit Gastrointestinal Specialists of Long Island earlier than 45 if they have:

• Family history of polyps or colorectal cancer
• Hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (Lynch syndrome)
• Crohn’s disease
• Ulcerative colitis

Your risk of colon cancer helps the team determine which test is most appropriate for you.

How do I prepare for a colon cancer screening?

Preparation for colon cancer screenings depends on which test you’re to undergo. Before preparing for the test, you meet with your gastroenterologist and have a complete physical exam and medical history review. Your physician then orders the appropriate tests and provides you with instructions on how to prepare.

What happens during a colon cancer screening?

There are several colon cancer screenings your gastroenterologist could perform:

Fecal blood occult test (FOBT)

An FOBT checks for microscopic traces of blood in the stool that physicians can only see under a microscope.

DNA stool test

A DNA stool test looks for genetic changes in your stool to identify early signs of colon cancer.

Sigmoidoscopy

A sigmoidoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that involves inserting a sigmoidoscope — a flexible tube with an attached camera — into the rectum to view the rectum and lower (sigmoid, meaning S-shaped) colon.

Colonoscopy

Like a sigmoidoscopy, a colonoscopy uses a long flexible tube to view the entire colon, from the rectum to the junction with the small intestine.

The sigmoidoscopy and the colonoscopy allow your gastroenterologist to detect abnormal polyps, inflammation, and lesions in the colon.

Call Gastrointestinal Specialists of Long Island today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about colon cancer screenings.