Colon Cancer Screening in Washington
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Find a ProviderWhat 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
Why is having colon cancer screenings important?
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.
When should I start colon cancer screenings?
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.
How frequently should I get a colon cancer screening?
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.
How can I prep for a colorectal cancer screening?
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.
Reviews
Washington Gastroenterology runs like a Swiss watch. The staff who works there are friendly and provide good communication on what to expect and are patient answering questions. Their efficiency does not come at the expense of shortcuts though. From getting the paperwork completed, getting to my pre-procedure room and finally to the procedure room, it was all done expediently. I don’t recall any of the procedure which is just the way I wanted it. Should get my pathology results back shortly but have a complete report and pictures of what they did in the procedure. As much as I dislike the pre-colonoscopy prep, it’s much easier than dealing with a colon cancer diagnosis. So I always follow their repeat procedure guidelines.
Dr Moussan and all his medical staff are absolutely wonderful. I am so thankful for wonderful care. Last year Dr had found colon cancer and I was only 37 years old. I had surgery and it’s now gone. I thank God for such a wonderful Dr and staff. Thank you!
The gold standard for colon cancer, a colonoscopy from Dr Wolman keeps me safe so I can continue to enjoy my time with my precious grandkids. Competent, professional, nw gastroenterology does a wonderful job and has the entire procedure optimized for your benefit. We are lucky to have them here in our community! Marsha Thrall
Dr Mohan and his staff made my visit go fast and smoothly. This was my second visit (last was 10 years ago). No one wants a colonoscopy. My sister had colon cancer and survived due to the wonderful work of her doctors. A couple of days for prep and the procedure is nothing compared to what she endured. Thank you Dr. Mohan and special thanks to your great staff!
Dr agrawal and team completed my first colonoscopy. I was nervous and uncomfortable with the thought of this procedure but reassured by staff that the experience would be quick and painless. The staff made my visit comfortable and efficiently put me to sleep during the quick procedure. I’m pleased to have completed my first colonoscopy and have no future trepidation about return visits for future re-checks. I advocate that everybody 45 and older complete a colonoscopy per the updated health guidelines regarding colon cancer screening.
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