Options for Colon Cancer Screening

You might be able to choose from several colon cancer screening tests if your doctor recommends it. Even if you are reluctant to make a decision, any discomfort or embarrassment caused by colon cancer screening can be temporary. Early detection could save your life. Let’s look at the various colon cancer screening options available through your gastroenterologist in Los Angeles.

What is a Colonoscopy?

Before you can determine if you require one, it is important to know what it does. Colonoscopy is a precise test that scans your colon for cancer. The procedure involves the use of a small instrument that is inserted into your colon and rectum to screen for cancer.
A colonoscopy should be done every five to ten years. However, you don’t have to do it every year unless your doctor recommends it.

Why Test for Colon Cancer?

Colon cancer is very common in older adults, particularly those over 50. Colon cancer ends up caused by polyps in the colon. We can remove these during a screening. And then we can test them for cancer. We can also call this type of cancer colorectal carcinoma. It can prove detected easily with regular screenings. To prevent them from becoming cancerous, it is important to monitor the growth of polyps.
We recommend screening every five to ten years. However, you might need to see the doctor more often if you have IBS or Chron’s disease. If a family member has had to deal with colon cancer or inflammatory bowel issues in the past, you will need to schedule more frequent screenings.

Colonoscopy as a Standard Screening Method

Why is it so important to have a colonoscopy every other year? This vital test can check your intestines for harmful substances. A colonoscopy may be recommended by your doctor to:

• Check for colon cancer. Your doctor will recommend that you have a colon cancer screening every five to ten years.
• Identify your internal symptoms. A colonoscopy may help to determine the cause of persistent bleeding, abdominal pain, or other discomforts.
• Polyps can be found. You should immediately have any polyps found in your intestine removed. You will need to have a follow-up procedure and a second colonoscopy to check for additional polyps.

You might be able to start screening for colon cancer earlier than 50 if you have had a history of polyps. Your gastroenterologist should be in constant communication to determine what is best for you.

DNA Stool Test as a Secondary Screening Method

A stool DNA test may end up available if you do not want a colonoscopy. Or if your doctor has offered you other options. A stool DNA test examines a sample from your stool and looks for DNA changes that could indicate colon cancer or other pre-cancerous conditions. Still, a stool DNA test will also look for blood in your stool.

This test requires that you take a stool sample from your home and send it to the laboratory. The stool DNA test usually repeats every three years. Although it is less painful and more complicated than a colonoscopy (which can be very costly), it may miss some red flags that a colonoscopy could detect.

Schedule the Appropriate Screening Appointment Today

You should schedule an appointment right away if you see the signs that you might need a stool test or a colonoscopy in Los Angeles. Dr. Tabib will gladly walk you through the process and help you to create a plan for your preventative care. If you are over 50, this advanced procedure should be considered on an annual basis depending on the state of your health and testing needs. Get in touch with us today to start on your personalized care plan ASAP!

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Take a look below at some big causes of colon cancer and get in touch with your local gastroenterologist in Los Angeles to create a customized prevention and treatment plan.

Common Causes of Colon Cancer

As is the case with most cancers, doctors haven’t figured out what exactly can cause cancer to start growing. However, certain lifestyle factors and habits could make symptoms appear earlier and more aggressively. Cancer starts when colon cells get their DNA mutated, causing them to grow at a rapid pace. After a while, this cancer can grow to harm other parts of the body. It can even travel throughout the body to make the cancer spread further.

The best way to prevent the spread of colon cancer and reduce risk factors is to be aware of them while working with your gastroenterologist to maintain healthy lifestyle habits.

Biggest Risk Factors of Colon Cancer

While the actual cause of cancer has not been found, doctors have been able to connect some of the biggest risk factors of colon cancer that may help you strengthen your ability to prevent it from growing.

Family History

If colon cancer is a hereditary part of your DNA, you may be at a bigger risk of colon cancer. This risk is greater if you have more than one family member with a history of colon cancer.

High Fat Diet

There are many different kinds of fats included in an average diet. Some low-fiber, high-fat diets can increase the risk of colon cancer. A lot of typical American diets forsake too much fiber while including too many trans fats and artificial fats. This can contribute to the body having a more difficult time breaking down fats and other materials, making it easier for cancer to form.

Preexisting Conditions

Some patients with other inflammatory conditions such as colon inflammation, colitis, Chron’s disease, and IBS have a higher risk of developing colon cancer or polyps in the colon. Speak with your gastroenterologist if you are worried that your existing conditions put you at a higher risk for cancer.

Best Ways to Prevent Colon Cancer

Patients who want to learn more about their risk factors for colon cancer should schedule a screening with their local doctor. This is a recommended annual practice for anyone over the age of 50; colon screenings should happen more than once per year if you have a preexisting condition.

In addition to scheduling some face-to-face time with your doctor, you should also work on several lifestyle changes that can bring better health to your entire body. Eating more balanced meals while reducing fats and sugars can greatly contribute to your overall health. If you struggle with smoking, you should try to reduce or eliminate your habits which can greatly reduce your overall risk. Speak with your doctor about necessary lifestyle changes that can prolong a cancer-free life.

Get the Best Cancer Screening and Treatment with Dr. Tabib Today!

There are many ways to promote colorectal cancer prevention through treatment, medication, and lifestyle changes. At the office of Dr. Tabib, we emphasize the importance of regular cancer screenings as one of the best forms of prevention. Get in touch with our expert team today to learn more about your colon cancer risk factors and viable treatment options.

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Dealing with Pre-Colonoscopy Anxiety

Step 1: Start Changing Your Diet

Your doctor will tell you that you can only consume clear liquids starting 24 hours before your colonoscopy. This means you can have water, clear juice, soup broth, and Jell-O that is not red or blue. There are a few things you can prepare for if you want to get ready even further in advance. In the weeks leading up to your appointment, try to limit yourself to a diet of only:

• Eggs
• Vegetables (well-cooked)
• Rice
• Fruit without skin or seeds
• Lean meat

Maintaining a low-fiber diet can keep your colon cleared out so it will be easier for the examination to take place. Get rid of fatty foods, whole grains, and foods that might make you gassy.

Step 2: Drink All the Solution

The most dreaded part of preparing for a colonoscopy is having to drink the large bottle of laxative solution that the doctor gives you. This solution is necessary to completely clear out your colon before the exam. But, many patients do not think it tastes very good.

There are a few things you can try to make it a more pleasant experience. For example, you can mix it with a sports drink or put it in the freezer as it tastes better cold. Think of it as a cleansing detox for your intestines!

Step 3: Find Distractions

Preparing for the colonoscopy is way worse than the colonoscopy procedure itself. Keep yourself focused on the fact that once the procedure is happening, the rest is a total breeze. Find distractions to keep you from getting too hungry or irritated throughout the day.

Your doctor will recommend that you take the day off of work or school so you can give your body a chance to relax before the procedure. You may want to take it easy the day after your procedure as well, although recovery is quite quick.

Step 4: Go to Bed Early

You will probably feel hungry since you can’t eat for 24 hours leading up to the procedure. Many patients say that going to bed 1-2 hours early can prevent them from acting on those snack-time urges. Make sure to get plenty of sleep before your procedure too. However, you will be given anesthesia during the procedure. You will still want your body to be well-rested in order to encourage faster healing.

Step 5: Speak With Your Trusted Doctor

You shouldn’t invest in a colonoscopy with a medical team you don’t trust. Make sure you have had one-on-one consultations with the doctor of your choice so you know exactly how the procedure will take place. Preparing for a colonoscopy is no easy task, and your doctor should be there to answer questions for you every step of the way.

Prevent Illness and Disease with a Colonoscopy!

Preparing for a colonoscopy may not be fun, but this is a vital procedure that can detect certain conditions such as cancer and infection. Your health – and even your life – can be at risk if you put off this necessary screening procedure. Get in touch with Dr. Tabib today and learn more about the benefits of getting a colonoscopy in Los Angeles. Call us today for a personal consultation!

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Age Range for Colon Cancer Screening

One of the most important things you should be consistently tested for is colon cancer. This screening is typically done through a colonoscopy, which tests the inside of your colon for anything unusual. The age range for colon cancer screening usually persists throughout the later decades of your life. Let’s take a look at how often you need to set a colonoscopy appointment with your gastroenterology clinic in Los Angeles.

About Colon Cancer

Colon cancer is a big risk among older populations of adults, especially those over the age of 50. This cancer forms from polyps inside of the colon, which can be removed during a screening and tested for cancer.

Also known as colorectal cancer, this type of cancer can be easy to detect as long as regular screenings are made. It is important to track the growth of polyps to prevent the risk of them becoming cancerous.

While screening is recommended every 5 or 10 years, you may need to visit the doctor’s office more regularly if you have another bowel disease such as IBS or Chron’s disease. You also must schedule more frequent tests if a close family member has dealt with an inflammatory bowel issue or colon cancer in the past.

Average Age Range

It is recommended to schedule regular colon cancer screenings starting at the age of 50. Most people should continue getting colonoscopies until they reach age 75, at which time it is essential to check with a doctor whether continued screenings are necessary.

Other factors play a part in determining the best age range for colon cancer screenings. Prior cancer, family history, or the presence of polyps in the intestines may require you to get more frequent colonoscopies for a longer period.

According to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, the recommended age range for colon cancer screening is 50-75, although some receive screenings until the age of 85.

Why Colonoscopy?

Why do we recommend you get a colonoscopy so often? This is a vital test that can screen your intestines for many harmful substances. Your doctor might tell you to get a colonoscopy to:

• Test for colon cancer. Since the risk of colon cancer starts at 50, your doctor will want to check every 5-10 years to make sure cancer has not developed.
• Identify internal symptoms. If you are dealing with constant bleeding, rectal pain, or abdominal discomfort, a colonoscopy may be necessary to identify internal causes.
• Finding polyps. Polyps that form in your intestine might be indicative of colon cancer, and you should have them removed right away. A follow-up procedure will be necessary and a second colonoscopy will check to see if any additional polyps still exist.

If you have a history of polyps, you might start the colon cancer screening process earlier than age 50. It is very important to stay in communication with your gastroenterologist about what’s best for you.

Get the Best Bowel Care Today

If you are over 50, you shouldn’t wait to schedule your next colon cancer screening. It is important for your health and well-being that you stay on top of your medical needs. A colonoscopy can identify issues inside of the colon, which will allow our doctors to act quickly to keep you on track to good health.

Learn more about our colonoscopy examsin Los Angeles and form a plan for long-term screening and care. Get in touch with our experts today and schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience!

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Unfortunately, a colonoscopy is something that most people dread. While it may not feel like a walk in the park, it will most likely not be painful, and you can rest easy knowing that colonoscopies are the best way to detect ailments such as colon cancer or a gastrointestinal disorder.

In other words, a colonoscopy in Los Angeles can save your life! Continue reading to learn more about what you can expect during this important procedure.

How the Procedure Works

If you’ve never had a colonoscopy before, you may have no idea what to expect. The procedure is performed by a certified gastroenterologist who knows how to look through your digestive tract and diagnose any potential conditions.

Step 1. Sedation

The process starts with you lying on a table. A nurse will administer a sedative through an IV to numb your body, so you feel no pain. You will feel sleepy during this procedure, but you will not completely fall asleep. It is sedation, not anesthesia. Still, it means your colonoscopy is not painful.

Step 2. The Procedure

After you have been sedated, your doctor will insert a tube into your rectum. This tube is thin, light, and flexible and comes with a camera and a light on its tip. This is what the doctor uses to get a firsthand look at your insides, looking around for any signs of a developing condition. Typically the doctor will look for abnormalities like cysts or ulcers in your intestine.

Step 3. Additional Steps and Finishing Up

In some cases, if the doctor does find a polyp or ulcer inside of you, he can remove it using some wire, so you do not have to worry about returning for another procedure. Once the procedure is complete, the tube will be removed, and you will have some time to recover before you can return home.

What to Expect

Before the procedure, you will be given something to drink that will help flush out your intestines. You also may not be able to eat for 24 hours before the procedure.

During the procedure itself, your colonoscopy will not be painful at all. Most patients cannot even feel the tube when it is inside of them, and there is no pain during the post-procedure process. There are a few side effects that may occur after the procedure, which include:

• Distention
• Spotting
• Bloating
• Cramping

If you do experience any of these side effects, they will likely be very mild, and you won’t have to worry about any serious side effects as a result of a colonoscopy. If you do experience discomfort and you are worried it is not normal, get in touch with your gastroenterologist as soon as possible to discuss any potential issues.

Getting Your Colonoscopy Results

After the procedure is complete, your colonoscopy results will be reviewed with you. Dr. Tabib explains the results with his patients and will discuss whether or not a future treatment is needed.

A negative result means that there was nothing found in your colon that would be cause for alarm. On the other hand, a positive result indicates that the doctor has found some abnormality. As stated earlier, these abnormalities are usually removed during the procedure itself. They will be sent to a lab and tested to see if any follow-up screenings are needed.

Prepare for a Colonoscopy and Save Your Life!

Colonoscopies are life-saving procedures that can help detect harmful conditions. According to the CDC, colorectal cancers are the third leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States. You can prevent the spread of colon or rectal cancer by taking part in this routine procedure to spot the early warning signs. Get in touch with your trusted gastroenterologist in Los Angeles today and schedule this pain-free procedure to invest in your better health!

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