Importance Of Early Detection For Colon Cancer

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, colon cancer is the fourth most commonly diagnosed type of cancer in the United States. A single cause is unknown, but it can be caused by poor diet or a patient could be more prone to the disease due to heredity. Early detection is highly recommended because it is very treatable when diagnosed in the early stages. Find out more about the procedure and how you can schedule a colon cancer screening appointment with Dr. Ernest Ribera at Burlingame Gastroenterology & Hepatology in Burlingame, CA.

Importance of Early Detection for Colon Cancer

A colon cancer screening, also called a colonoscopy or colorectal screening, is a procedure to check the condition of the colon and bowels for abnormal cells or polyps. The most recent recommendation for a first screening according to the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai is to start at the age of 45 and then every 10 years if you’re at average risk and the test is normal. The frequency of follow-up visits depends on the results of the test and your risk level. Early detection is important because the five-year survival rate for colon cancer is around 90 percent if it’s detected in its early stages according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.

The Screening Appointment

You may wonder about the steps of a screening procedure and how long the appointment might last. Here is what you can expect:

• You must prepare for the appointment by cleansing your bowels using a solution provided by your Burlingame, CA, colon cancer screening doctor the day, starting the day before the procedure. You also have to commit to a liquid diet (no solid foods) for the full day before the appointment and no foods at all after bedtime. You will receive detailed instructions from your doctor.
• You will be given a sedative during the procedure to help you relax and sleep.
• The screening procedure will usually range between 20-30 minutes, but set aside time to be at the office for at least a couple of hours.

Schedule a Colon Screening

If you’ve reached the age that is recommended to start screenings or you have a history of this disease in your family, call (650) 342-6506 today to schedule a colon cancer screening with the Burlingame, CA, office of Dr. Ribera.