COLON CANCER SCREENING - Houston, TX
Colorectal Cancer is cancer of the colon or the rectum. This cancer develops from precancerous, benign, adenomatous polyps. Everyone, both men and women, have a medium risk of developing colorectal cancer (with or without family history). The risk for this disease increases as we grow older. Colorectal cancer is nearly 90% preventable if the polyps are removed before they become cancerous. If CRC is found early and treated properly, the survival rate is greatly enhanced, with a 5-year relative survival rate also greater than 90%. CRC screenings are recommended for everyone beginning at age 50. There are several types of screening tests which are listed below. If you have a personal or family history of the disease, you should be screened at an earlier age. It is also recommended that anyone that has a history inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease) should also be screened at an earlier age.
Often there aren’t any apparent symptoms telling you that something might be wrong. Some symptoms that could be experienced are; rectal bleeding, abdominal discomfort, bloating, change in bowel habits, anemia, or unexplained weight loss.
There are four screening tests that are used to diagnose colorectal cancer:
- A fecal occult blood test every year
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years
- Double contrast barium enema every 5 years
- Colonoscopy every 5-10 years
The Colonoscopy, by far, is the best test because it is the most thorough procedure to both detect and prevent colorectal cancer. During the colonoscopy the doctor can examine the lining of the large intestine and
remove suspicious tissue and polyps for further evaluation.
Dr. Charafeddine can discuss the various CRC screening tests with you and recommend the best test for your personal situation (age, health, family history, etc.) Dr. Charafeddine performs colorectal cancer screenings and follows the recommended guidelines.
Colorectal Cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths in the United States. It is estimated that 150,000 people were diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2005. CRC is one of the few cancers that can be prevented. If CRC is not detected or treated, the cancer cells can eventually spread to other organs in the body.