The Importance of Colon Cancer Screening: What You Need to Know

More than 50,000 people die from colorectal cancer in the United States every year. It is the second leading cause of deaths from cancer. While that's a lot of deaths, there are much fewer than there were before people began screening. To find out about colon cancer screening in Katy, TX, get in touch with Dr. Kevin Marks of Premier Gastroenterology to discuss your options. 

The American Cancer Society has issued guidelines for colon cancer screenings.  The recommendations for those at average risk are different from those at elevated risk. If you are at normal risk, it is recommended that you begin to be screened at age 45. There are two ways this can be done, with a test that checks your stool or with a colonoscopy. 

If you are healthy with a life expectancy of 10 years or more, you should get a colonoscopy up until the age of 75. From the age of 75 until 85, it is optional and depends on your health and past screening results. After 85, it is not recommended that you get tested. To be considered of average risk, you would not have a family or personal history of colon cancer. Colon cancer is most common in adults aged 65-74. 

Stool-based test

 A stool-based test is a noninvasive option but is not as accurate as the other more invasive tests. They can be done every year. You send out a sample of your stool, and it gets analyzed for any indication of blood, even a microscopic amount. This type of test can also check DNA for certain markers in the cells that are shed by the colon and rectum. This is a simple way to do a test, and it is better than doing nothing, but it is not as accurate as a colonoscopy. 

Colonoscopy

 Colonoscopy is a type of colon cancer screening in Katy, TX in which a flexible tube with a camera is inserted through the rectum into the entire colon. This way, your doctor can look for polyps, and they can be removed if they are found. It is an invasive procedure and the prep is no fun, but getting colon cancer is even less fun, so it is the better option. 

There is a virtual colonoscopy available that can take pictures of the inside of the colon from the outside. The prep still needs to be done but you won't need to be sedated. 

Colon cancer is a serious but very preventable disease and testing is vital for early detection. 

Contact Dr. Marks of Premier Gastroenterology when you need to know about colon cancer screening in Katy, TX. Give our office a call at (281) 392-0425 to make an appointment.