Colon cancer is an increasingly common disease among Americans, but it is also highly preventable and treatable with proper screening. The Brookhaven Gastroenterology Associates team wants you to understand when and why you need a colonoscopy in Suffolk County.

What Happens During a Colonoscopy in Suffolk County?

A colonoscopy is a painless procedure in which you will mostly be sedated. As the procedure starts, you will lie on your side as your doctor inserts a tube into your anus with a camera attached. Your doctor will guide this camera through your rectum and colon to check for signs of suspicious tissues, such as polyps. Polyps are pre-cancerous tissues that can develop in the colon.

The doctor can remove such tissue during the colonoscopy process, but if it's too big, it will be marked off for later removal during a more invasive procedure. If your doctor doesn't find anything wrong, they will immediately let you know when you wake up. However, if they see something suspicious that requires a biopsy, they will also inform you when to come back for a follow-up.

How Does Age Affect the Need for Screening?

The American Cancer Society now recommends the average American start getting screenings by age 45. In addition to a colonoscopy, there is also a stool-based test that can help doctors with diagnosis. Between the ages of 45 through 75, you should have regular screenings. Between the ages of 76 and 85, screenings can happen based on your overall health and personal preferences but are no longer recommended after the age of 85.

What Are the Main Risk Factors?

Your risk factors for colon cancer and the need for additional screenings start with your personal health history and family history. Doctors may want you to get earlier or more frequent screenings if you have a strong family history of certain types of polyps or colon cancer.

If you have inflammatory bowel disease or have had cancer previously, your doctor may want you to have screenings within a shorter timeframe. Another risk factor is previous radiation in the pelvic or admin area. Contact your colon specialist if you have signs of persistent abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, and unexplained weight loss.

Doctors at Brookhaven Gastroenterology Associates are here to help with your colon health. Start by scheduling a colonoscopy in Suffolk County by calling (631) 289-0300 for the office in East Patchogue, NY, (631) 289-1708 for the office in Port Jefferson, NY, (631) 289-0301 for the office in East Islip, NY, and (631) 289-5101 for the office in Westhampton Beach, NY today.