A colon cancer screening from your gastroenterologists in San Diego, CA, can protect you from colorectal cancer
Did you know that colorectal cancer is the third most common cause of cancer-related deaths in this country? It’s true. Fortunately, there is a very effective way to detect colorectal cancer early, when it is easily treatable. You need a colon cancer screening, available from your gastroenterologist. The gastroenterologists at San Diego Gastroenterology Medical Associates in San Diego, CA, provide a wide range of gastroenterology services including colon cancer screening.
So, how often should you have a colon cancer screening? You should have your first colon cancer screening by the time you are 45 years old. Colon cancer screenings should be performed every few years after that, as your gastroenterologist recommends.
There are other reasons why you should have a colon cancer screening. You should visit your gastroenterologist if you:
- Have a family history of colorectal cancer
- Experience frequent abdominal pain
- Have blood in your stool
- Experience bleeding from your rectum
- Have recurrent diarrhea or constipation
There are several types of colon cancer screenings including:
Blood and stool testing, which is typically performed once each year. It comes in a kit containing information and a tool to take stool samples at home. The samples are sent to a laboratory to be tested for the presence of blood.
Sigmoidoscopy, which is performed every 5 years. The procedure uses a flexible tube which is inserted into the rectum and guided through the lower third of your colon.
Colonoscopy, which is performed every 10 years for people who are at average risk of colorectal cancer. A thin, flexible tube is inserted into the rectum and guided through the entire colon.
To learn more about how often to have a colon cancer screening and how it can protect you from colorectal cancer, talk with the experts. Call the gastroenterologists at San Diego Gastroenterology Medical Associates in San Diego, CA. You can reach them in the office by calling (619) 291-6064, so call now.