Colon Cancer Screening

Adults should start regular colon cancer screening at age 45. At Hussein Abidali, DO Digestive Health Inc. in Rancho Cucamonga, California, Hussein Abidali, DO, and the team offer colon cancer screening. Finding colon cancer during the early stages improves your chances of a full recovery. Do you need a colon cancer screening? Call the office or request an appointment online today.

What is colon cancer screening?

Your colon is the last section of your gastrointestinal tract. Colon cancer screening refers to the various tests that look for early signs of colon cancer, also called colorectal cancer. Its primary function is to remove fluids and the remaining nutrients from food waste.

Colon cancer occurs when an overgrowth of abnormal cells creates a tumor. Most colon cancer starts out as a benign polyp. 

Colon polyps are common. Though not all polyps turn cancerous, finding and removing these growths lowers your risk of developing colon cancer.

What are the tests for colon cancer screening?

There are many colon cancer screening tests. Some of the screening tests include:

Colonoscopy

The colonoscopy is the gold standard test for colon cancer screening. During a colonoscopy, your gastroenterologist uses a colonoscope to examine the lining of your large intestine, looking for and removing polyps and other abnormalities.

Flexible sigmoidoscopy

During a flexible sigmoidoscopy, your gastroenterologist uses a sigmoidoscope to examine only the lower part of your colon, called the sigmoid colon. 

Fecal occult blood test

Blood in your stool is one of the common symptoms of colon cancer. A fecal occult blood test checks for blood. 

Fecal DNA testing

A fecal DNA test checks stool for colon cancer DNA. 

If results from a flexible sigmoidoscopy or one of the fecal tests come back positive, the team at Hussein Abidali, DO Digestive Health Inc. recommends having a colonoscopy to confirm or rule out colon cancer.

When do I need colon cancer screening?

The team at Hussein Abidali, DO Digestive Health Inc. can help you determine when you need colon cancer screening. In general, all adults should start screenings at age 45. If you have a colonoscopy and your results are negative, you only need screenings every 10 years.

Other colon cancer screenings are repeated more frequently, every five years for a flexible sigmoidoscopy and yearly for a fecal test.

However, if you have a family history of colon cancer or a personal history of polyps or inflammatory bowel disease, the team may recommend you start screening earlier than 45. 

Don’t wait to schedule your colon cancer screening. Call Hussein Abidali, DO Digestive Health Inc., or request an appointment online today.