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Colon Cancer Screening services offered in The Woodlands, Shenandoah and Spring, TX
Recent studies show that colon cancer screenings reduce the risk of colorectal cancer by more than 25% and cut colorectal cancer deaths by more than 50%. At Premier General and Colorectal Surgery in Shenandoah, Texas, premier colorectal surgeon Junuk Kim, MD, FACS, and the trained team perform a colonoscopy to find the earliest signs of colorectal cancer so they can effectively treat it before it becomes life-threatening. Schedule your colon cancer screening through the online scheduler or call the office today.
Colon Cancer Screening Q&A
What is colon cancer screening?
Colon cancer screening involves tests or procedures that detect the earliest signs of colon and rectal cancer in people who aren’t having any symptoms of the disease.
There are a few methods of colon cancer screening, including tests that check for microscopic blood in your stool (a possible sign of colorectal cancers and polyps). However, colonoscopy is the gold standard colon and rectal cancer screening test.
How does colon cancer screening work?
In a colonoscopy, Dr. Kim examines the large intestine using a flexible, lighted tube with a built-in camera. A colonoscopy allows Dr. Kim to discover polyps — clumps of cells that could turn cancerous later.
He can immediately insert tools in the scope and remove the polyps so that a colonoscopy can be a screening test and treatment in one.
A colonoscopy is a same-day procedure. You’ll need to use a bowel prep solution and fast before your colonoscopy. These steps clean out your bowels so Dr. Kim has optimal visibility and the best chance to spot your colon and rectum issues during the colonoscopy.
You’ll receive a sedative before your colonoscopy, which helps you relax and stay comfortable. The procedure isn’t painful. Many people doze lightly through their colonoscopy.
You must bring a loved one with you to your colonoscopy appointment because you can’t drive home after receiving a sedative.
When should I start colon cancer screening?
Healthy adults with a low-to-average risk of colorectal cancers generally start colon cancer screening at age 45. If you have a higher risk of colorectal cancers, Dr. Kim may recommend starting at age 40 or earlier. Risk factors include:
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
- Personal history of colorectal cancer or polyps
- Family history of colorectal cancer or polyps
- Genetic syndromes like familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or Lynch syndrome
Dr. Kim recommends a colon cancer screening frequency for you. Most people need to screen regularly through the age of 75. After that, you may need less-frequent screenings based on Dr. Kim’s personalized recommendations.
A colonoscopy can save your life, so it’s important to schedule them as recommended. If you’re due for a colon cancer screening, call Premier General & Colorectal Surgery or click the online scheduling tool now.