A colonoscopy including polyp removal — the most common method of colon cancer screening — can reduce the risk of dying from colon cancer by more than 90%. At Long Island Gastroenterology Specialists, with offices in North Wantagh, and South Wantagh, New York, expert gastroenterologists work as a team to provide convenient colon cancer screening. This testing can save your life, so if you’re over 50 or have a family history of colon cancer, call the office nearest to you or click the provided link to schedule your colonoscopy now.
Colon cancer screening is testing that checks for cancer or potentially precancerous growths (polyps) in your large intestine. There are several types of colon cancer screening, including:
Colonoscopy is the most thorough way to check for colon cancer and precancerous polyps. In this test, your provider uses a thin tube with a tiny video camera to evaluate your intestines from the inside. They can also remove any polyps they discover immediately during a colonoscopy.
A sigmoidoscopy is similar to a colonoscopy, but it checks only the lower one-third of your large intestine. It covers less territory than a colonoscopy and may therefore not discover cancers in the higher part of the large intestine.
A stool test checks for blood in your stool, which can occur when you have precancerous polyps. There are three types of stool tests, including the fecal occult blood test, fecal immunochemical test, and stool DNA test.
Most people need a colonoscopy for colon cancer screening because it’s the most comprehensive test available. But some people are candidates for other screening methods, so your Long Island Gastroenterology Specialists doctor can determine which test is right for you based on your risk factors and individual needs.
All adults over age 50 need colon cancer screening. If you have certain risk factors, you may need to start screening in your 30s or 40s. Colon cancer risk factors include:
Your Long Island Gastroenterology Specialists doctor can evaluate your risk factors and determine the right time to start testing.
Preparation for your colon cancer screening depends on which specific test you’re having. Most people have colonoscopy, which requires complete colon cleansing prior to the procedure. You receive complete instructions at least a week ahead of your colonoscopy, and your prep can start at that time.
Most of the earlier prep involves discontinuing or altering certain medications and supplements and avoiding nuts and seeds. One day before your colonoscopy, you start a clear-liquid diet and use laxatives according to the bowel prep instructions.
On the day of your colonoscopy, you fast (no liquids or food) and take medications according to your doctor’s directions.
Colon cancer screening can protect you and even save your life. To schedule your screening, call the nearest Long Island Gastroenterology Specialists office or click the scheduling tool now.