Colon Cancer Screening in washington

What is a colon cancer screening?

Colorectal cancer ranks as the third most common type of cancer diagnosed but stands out due to its preventability. The colon and rectum, which comprise the large intestine, play crucial roles in water absorption and nutrient extraction from digested food, as well as in the storage and expulsion of solid waste.

Colon cancer screening involves examining the colon and rectum for polyps and cancerous growths, typically in the absence of any gastrointestinal symptoms. Polyps are benign growths that have the potential to develop into cancer over time. Early identification and removal of these polyps and any cancerous formations are key to preventing serious health complications and mortality associated with colon cancer.

At Washington Gastroenterology, our board-certified gastroenterologists frequently conduct colon cancer screenings, recommending that all individuals begin screening at age 45. For more information or to schedule a screening, please reach out to one of our locations in Washington.

What are the benefits of a colon cancer screening?

Regular screening for colon and rectal cancer is crucial for maintaining both overall health and gastrointestinal well-being. Although there are multiple screening options available, such as stool testing, colonoscopy remains the definitive strategy for colorectal cancer prevention. The advantages of having regular colorectal cancer screenings include:

  • Potential to save lives through early detection and intervention.
  • Early identification of colon or rectal cancer.
  • Ability to locate and remove polyps in the colon and rectum, thereby reducing the risk of cancer development.
  • Detection of other gastrointestinal conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease.

Since colon cancer can develop without noticeable symptoms until it has progressed significantly, periodic screenings enable your doctor to detect any issues early, potentially leading to better health outcomes.

Are there colon cancer screening options?

Discussing the appropriate timing and type of colon cancer screening with your gastroenterologist is crucial. The following are several commonly used screening tests:

  • Flexible sigmoidoscopy: This screening utilizes a sigmoidoscope, a device resembling a thin, flexible tube with a camera on its end, which is inserted into the rectum to examine the lower colon and rectum. It allows for visual inspection on a monitor and can be used to perform biopsies and remove some polyps. For a full examination of the colon and to remove all detected polyps or tumors, a colonoscopy is necessary. This procedure is relatively safe, with minimal risks, including bowel perforation, bleeding, and infection.
  • Colonoscopy: A colonoscope, which is longer than a sigmoidoscope, is used to inspect the entire colon. Inserted through the rectum, it provides a view of the colon’s interior on a monitor, and special tools can be used through the device to remove polyps and take biopsies. Sedation is typically required, and the risks include bowel tears, bleeding, and infection. This is the only comprehensive colorectal prevention strategy available.
  • Virtual colonoscopy: This method involves a computed tomography (CT) scan to take cross-sectional images of the colon. Patients lie on a CT scanner table for this noninvasive test, which does not require sedation. Should any abnormalities be detected, a conventional colonoscopy is recommended for the removal of any polyps or tumors.
  • Double-contrast barium enema: In this procedure, a mixture of barium sulfate (a white, chalky substance) and air is introduced into the colon via a tube inserted into the rectum. This coats the colon, allowing x-ray images to highlight any internal abnormalities. If abnormalities are detected, a colonoscopy is generally performed to address them.
  • Fecal test: Safe and noninvasive, fecal tests analyze stool samples for signs of colon cancer. These tests include:
    • Fecal occult blood tests (FOBT) use a chemical reaction to detect hidden blood in the stool.
    • Fecal immunochemical tests (FIT)detect blood through a specific reaction to a blood protein, indicating the presence of hidden blood.
    • Stool DNA tests search for abnormal DNA from cancer cells or polyps in the stool.

Who may be at risk for colon cancer?

Several factors can increase the likelihood of developing colon cancer. These include:

  • Individuals aged 45 and older
  • People with inherited familial adenomatous polyposis, a genetic condition marked by the formation of numerous polyps in the colon and rectum
  • Those who have previously been diagnosed with colon cancer
  • Women who have a history of breast, ovarian, or uterine cancer
  • Individuals with a family history of colon cancer, especially if parents, siblings, or children have been affected
  • People suffering from inflammatory bowel diseases, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
  • Individuals with a sedentary lifestyle, poor dietary habits, or who smoke

 

 

Schedule a colorectal cancer screening today

Regular screenings are critical for the early detection and prevention of colon cancer. If you are over 45 or possess any of the risks mentioned above, consider scheduling a colon cancer screening at your nearest location in Washington. As a leading network of gastroenterologists committed to patient-centered care, Washington Gastroenterology utilizes advanced technology to enhance gastrointestinal health. For additional information on colon cancer screenings, please contact Washington Gastroenterology.

 

Colon Cancer Screening FAQs

Colon cancer often starts from irregular growths in the large intestine (colon) or rectum referred to as polyps. With a colonoscopy screening, these precancerous polyps can be excised to help lessen the chance of and possibly even prevent the development of this cancer. Routine colon cancer screenings can also allow doctors to diagnose cancer that has already progressed. When colon or rectal cancer is found early on, it can be less complicated to address.

Individuals who carry an average risk for the disease should begin having routine colon cancer screenings upon turning age 45. Those at a greater risk may need earlier screenings. Your gastrointestinal specialist can help you identify exactly when you should begin your colon cancer screenings.

The frequency with which people should undergo colorectal cancer screenings may be based on the screening being conducted. Generally, people aged 45 and over should undergo a colonoscopy once every 10 years when they have an average risk for colon or rectal cancer and have normal colonoscopy results. Patients with a significantly high risk are advised to undergo colonoscopy exams at least once every five years. To learn how frequently you should schedule screening exams for colorectal cancer, please consult your gastrointestinal physician.

The best way to prep for a colon cancer screening will depend on the form of screening received. When undergoing a colonoscopy screening, detailed prep instructions will be given to you by your gastroenterology team ahead of your exam to clear out your bowel. There may be certain directions to follow for several days prior to your screening. It is crucial to abide by your physician’s instructions to help make certain they can detect any concerns when conducting your screening.