What is Colorectal Cancer Screening?
The primary goal of colorectal cancer screening is to identify abnormal growths, known as polyps, well before the polyps become cancerous and remove them. Unlike other screening tests, Colonoscopy prevents colon cancer because the gastroenterologist removes precancerous polyps found during the screening examination. Precancerous polyps are found in more than 20% of women and 30% of men age 50 and older.
The 9 Myths of Colonoscopies
Colon cancer screening can be lifesaving. Don’t let any of these myths stop you from getting screened and taking an active role in your health. Call Spokane Digestive Center at 509-838-5950 to request an appointment.
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Why Get a Colon Cancer Screening?
Colo-rectal cancer (CRC) remains the second most common cancer caused death in the U.S. for both men and women. One in 17 Americans, (over 50,000 for 2018) will develop CRC in their lifetime. The good news is there has been a 46% decrease in CRC death since its peak in 1985. Due to CRC screening methods, new colon cancer cases have come down from 66 per 100,000 population in 1985 to 37 cases in 2015.
Despite evidence that early screening prevents CRC, approximately 30% of appropriate individuals are not screened. Current guidelines recommend the initiation of CRC screening for average-risk individuals at age 50 (45 for African Americans). Risks increase sharply after age 50. Recent studies may be showing that screening at younger ages may be prudent.
In the past tests recommended by national prevention organizations included: colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy and fecal occult blood testing.
Why Choose Spokane Digestive?
Since 1978, Spokane Digestive is dedicated to providing the highest level of care to patients with digestive health problems or concerns.
READ ABOUT USCologuard or Colonoscopy
Colonoscopies are the gold standard in detecting colorectal cancer as well as precancerous lesions through the use of a camera-enabled scope. Cologuard has no visual component and instead tests DNA from stool samples for the presence of abnormal cancerous or precancerous cells.
MORE ABOUT COLOGUARDDon't Delay, Schedule Today
A colonoscopy prevents colon cancer because the gastroenterologist removes precancerous polyps found during the screening examination. Precancerous polyps are found in 20% of women and 30% of men age 50 and older.
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