Your colon is responsible for your digestion and putting nutrients throughout your body. Cancer in this part of the body is highly preventable and treatable when caught early. Dr. Mordo Suchov and Dr. Alan Joseph Naim want you to understand the importance of visiting Gastroenterology Associates of Southern California for your regular colon cancer screening in Encino, CA. Staying on top of these screenings can prevent this growing but preventable disease.
What Is a Colon Cancer Screening Procedure?
Once you have scheduled your screening, you must do some prep before the appointment. Your doctor will have you take laxatives to cleanse out your colon beforehand. Expect some dietary restrictions, such as a clear liquid diet.
When you go in for the procedure, you will be sedated while your doctor uses an internal camera inserted through the rectum. This camera will take an internal view of your colon to check for abnormalities, such as polyps.
Polyps are usually benign but can eventually develop into colon cancer when left unmanaged. Therefore, your doctor will remove any found during the procedure. You will need someone to drive you home because you will be under sedation during the process.
According to the American Cancer Society, you should begin screenings at age 45. Healthy people without a history of colon cancer in their family or polyps can get it every 10 years. However, if polyps have been found in previous screenings, your doctor may want you to return within a shorter time frame, such as five years.
Why Is It Important?
A colon cancer screening in Encino, CA, is vital to preventing and finding colon cancer in its early stages. Unfortunately, this disease is impacting more people every year. Almost 1,000,000 people died from the disease in 2020, according to WHO International. The American Cancer Society estimates that 152,000 people will receive a diagnosis in 2024, and over 50,000 will likely die from it.
Detecting and removing precancerous polyps makes this procedure highly effective in cancer prevention. This cancer is highly treatable in its early stages, with much better survival rates for patients.
These screenings also allow you to ask your specialist questions about colon health and improving it. Your doctor can give you insight into what you are doing right and where you can improve to keep your colon healthy.
When you get a colon cancer screening in Encino, CA, from Dr. Suchov and Dr. Naim, you are taking important steps in preventing a devastating disease from affecting more people at younger rates. The Gastroenterology Associates of Southern California team is here for you. Call us at (818) 905-1567 to set up this vital screening today.