Screening for Colonoscopy Treatments

Kalamazoo Gastroenterology Hepatology offers colon cancer screenings that can help our gastroenterology doctors assess digestive health to diagnose patients for colonoscopy treatments. Screening tests can help discover polyps early to schedule removal of them before they become cancerous as well as find colorectal cancer early, when more treatment options are available. Consider colon cancer screening if you are a patient who is more likely to get colon cancer, and tackle issues early to prevent negative consequences to your digestive health.

What is colorectal cancer?

Colorectal cancer is cancer that occurs in the colon or rectum. The colon is the large intestine or large bowel, and the rectum is the area between the colon and the anus. As the third most common cancer in men and women and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S., it is important that those at risk of colon cancer get screened. If you are 50 or older, talk to your doctor about getting screened. One third of colorectal cancers can be prevented with regular screening.

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Colon Cancer Screening
Colon Cancer Screening

Signs you may have colorectal polyps or cancer:

• Blood in your stool (feces)
• Frequent stomach aches, pains, or cramps for no reason
• A change in bowel habits, like having stools that are narrower than usual
• Losing weight
Talk to your doctor if you have any of these symptoms.

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Common questions and important information regarding colorectal cancer.

The more that you know about colorectal cancer, the better you be aware of it if symptoms show, as well as know how to approach dealing with it if you have a positive diagnoses. Kalamazoo Gastroenterology Hepatology’s team of doctors and PAs are here to help you learn whatever you need and will take care of you and your digestive health.

• Anyone can get colorectal cancer.
• The lifetime risk for people in the U.S. is 5% to 6%.

• Your age (90% of people who get colorectal cancer are over age 50)
• Your race (African Americans are at higher risk)
• Being overweight
• Eating things that are high in fat and low in fiber
• Having Crohn’s disease (IBD)
• Having a personal or family history of colon cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, colon polyps, or a hereditary cancer syndrome (Lynch syndrome, FAP (familial adenomatous polyposis))

A colon polyp is a small clump of cells that forms on the inside of the colon. Most colon polyps are harmless, but some can become cancerous over time.

Most people do not know they have colon polyps. That is why doctors tell people to start screening at age 50. African Americans should begin screening at age 45.