Scheduling a Colonoscopy Screening is Important

The Centers for Disease Control stated in a recent report that about 23 million people between the ages of 50 and 75 have not had a colonoscopy screening. This number is alarming because colon cancer is easily preventable, provided symptoms of the disease are discovered early. 

Groups like the American Cancer Society and the American College of Gastroenterology both agree that starting at age 50, routine colonoscopies should be conducted every 10 years. Colorectal cancer ranks 3^rd in the list of most diagnosed cancers and ranks 2^nd as the leading cause of cancer death; over 50,000 people a year die from colorectal cancer.

A gastroenterologist performs a colonoscopy with the use of a telescopic device that is inserted into the rectum and then advanced to the entrance of the colon. Once inserted, the physician will be able to search for polyps – abnormal tissue growths – in the lining of the large intestine. If polyps are found, they will be removed to prevent them from eventually becoming cancerous. The specialist may also take tissue samples – called biopsies – to test if you are at risk of developing colorectal cancer.

The screening colonoscopy is performed while you are sedated, and it is the most effective procedure for searching for signs of colon cancer risk and the removal of polyps. For this reason we recommend you schedule your next screening as soon as possible. To schedule a colonoscopy and to learn more about colorectal cancer, contact San Francisco Gastroenterology.