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Over 145,000 Americans will be diagnosed with colon cancer this year and almost 50,000 will die from the disease. However, when colon cancer is detected early, it is often curable, and removing precancerous polyps can prevent the disease entirely.
Polyps are small growths that arise from the lining of the colon. They are common and typically do not cause any symptoms. Although not all polyps will become cancerous, removing them when they are small can prevent colon cancer.
Colonoscopy cancer screening should begin at age 50 for the average person. If you have a history of colon cancer or polyps in your family, especially in a parent, child or sibling, screening at an earlier age may be appropriate and you should discuss this with your primary care physician.
You can schedule a colonoscopy with any of the board certified Gastroenterologists at RGAL. All of our physicians are well trained and anxious to help you in your personal quest to prevent colon cancer.
If you are in good health, you or your primary care provider can simply call our office to schedule a colonoscopy using our Open Access program. However, an office appointment prior to your procedure may be necessary if our staff determines that your health history warrants further evaluation by one of our physicians or nurse practitioners.
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