Our office offers preventative services including early detection of cancers such as:
- Breast Cancer
- Cervical Cancer
- Colon Cancer
- and More…
Colon Cancer Screening
Nearly 150,000 people are diagnosed with colorectal cancer every year, and nearly 50,000 die of the disease. Colon cancer is widely known as a silent killer, primarily because it causes very few – if any – symptoms during its earliest stages. Left undetected, the disease can quietly grow and spread in the body, becoming potentially fatal.
What Causes Colon Cancer?
Colon cancer is caused by uninhibited cell division in the colon, which ultimately forms a cancerous tumor that can destroy the surrounding tissues and spread to other areas of the body. Although there is no specifically known cause of colon cancer, there are certain factors that predispose certain individuals to a higher risk of developing the disease than other people.
Early detection of colon cancer is key to fighting the disease, and because there are so few symptoms related to the disease in its earliest stages, regular colon cancer screenings are important. In fact, it is recommended that men and women begin submitting to regular colon cancer screenings by age 50, or by age 40 if there is a family history of colon cancer.
Colon Cancer Screening in Orange, Anaheim, Foothill Ranch, and Huntington Beach
Here at our one of our 4 conveniently located offices, we use and recommend numerous methods of colorectal cancer screening. One of the most common and thorough methods of colorectal screening is a colonoscopy, which involves inserting a thin, lighted instrument into the colon to examine the tissues for polyps, which often turn into tumors. Polyps are easily removable during a routine colonoscopy, which can prevent the onset of colon cancer altogether.
Other colon cancer screening methods include fecal occult blood tests, which examine stool samples for hidden blood, and double barium enemas, which can detect up to 50 percent of colon polyps. Depending on your age, symptoms and family history, our doctor will recommend the type of colon cancer screening she deems best for you.
To schedule your next cancer screening, please contact our office today!