Colorectal cancer typically develops in either the colon (the long part of the large intestine) or in its bottom portion, known as the rectum. Fortunately, colon cancer screening in Suffolk County, or Patchogue, NY, can detect disease early when treatment options are more manageable. For this reason, the medical team at the Brookhaven Gastroenterology Associates advises adults aged 45 and above to get tested regularly.
Early Detection
Colon cancer typically develops from precancerous polyps (abnormal growths) in the colon or rectosigmoid that are detectable through screening tests. Early detection helps ensure optimal results when treatment can still work best.
Colorectal cancer risk factors include:
- Having a family history of the disease.
- Being overweight or obese.
- Eating too many red meats and processed foods.
- Not being physically active.
In addition, genetic mutations like familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or Lynch syndrome also increase your chances.
Prevention
Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer. Regular screenings can detect and remove abnormal polyps that could potentially transform into colon cancer over time.
Fecal immunochemical testing (FIT), an easy at-home test to detect signs of colon cancer or polyps, checks for hidden blood in feces that could indicate colon polyps.
Stool DNA tests offer another form of screening. Combining FIT with an analysis that detects altered DNA in feces, they offer faster and simpler colon cancer screening in Suffolk County, or Patchogue, NY, results than FIT alone.
Improved Survival Rates
Screening not only increases early detection rates but can also dramatically improve survival rates for patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer, especially at stage IV, when survival can often be low due to limited treatment options.
Specifically, proactive screening helps prevent death from this disease and provides a more effective strategy to improve your life expectancy than including surgery and chemotherapy.
Family History of Colon Cancer
As most colorectal cancers are due to lifestyle and environmental factors, only 5-10% are hereditary. However, if your family history includes colorectal cancer, you should learn about your risk and follow screening recommendations.
Screening recommendations for those with hereditary colorectal syndromes vary depending on the type of syndrome and other risk factors in their family history that increase risk.
During your appointment, we can discuss your risk and when and why screenings should begin based on factors like age, medical conditions and family history of colon cancer/polyps.
Your Age
Screening can detect colorectal cancer early when treatment options are most successful. People aged 45 and up who are at average risk should start getting regular screenings as soon as possible.
Call the Brookhaven Gastroenterology Associates at (631) 289-0300 to schedule colon cancer screening in Suffolk County, or Patchogue, NY.