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Colon Cancer Screening services offered in Lower Manhattan, New York, NY
At JKAN Gastroenterology PLLC in Lower Manhattan, New York City, board-certified gastroenterologist Nancy Lau, MD, offers colon cancer screenings to detect this form of cancer early before it causes serious medical concerns. If you're concerned about colon cancer or would like to learn more about the screening process, call the office or request an appointment online today.
Colon Cancer Screening Q&A
What is colon cancer screening?
Colon cancer screening at JKAN Gastroenterology PLLC involves diagnostic tests that screen for colon cancer, a common type of cancer that can become life-threatening when left untreated.
Colon cancer often develops from precancerous polyps (growths) that can appear in the rectum or colon over time. Screening helps detect these precancerous growths, allowing Dr. Lau to remove them before they turn into cancer.
How often should I schedule a colon cancer screening?
Most people should begin colorectal cancer screening after turning 45, but your individualized needs depend on your medical history, symptoms, and colon cancer risk factors.
You might need earlier screening if you have a personal or family history of colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or certain genetic syndromes.
The frequency at which you should be tested depends on the type of screening you undergo and the results of any previous tests. You might need screening every 10, 5, or 3 years. Some people need yearly screening.
Which types of colon cancer screenings are available?
During your colon cancer screening at JKAN Gastroenterology PLLC, Dr. Lau might suggest one or more of the following:
Stool tests
Stool tests simply require a sample of your stool to use for a lab analysis, screening for signs of colorectal cancer. Some stool tests require yearly screenings, while others are needed every three years.
Flexible sigmoidoscopy
During a flexible sigmoidoscopy, Dr. Lau inserts a flexible, lighted tube through your anus to screen for cancer or polyps in the lower third of your colon and your rectum. You might need this colon cancer screening every 5-10 years.
Colonoscopy
Colonoscopies are like flexible sigmoidoscopies, but Dr. Lau uses a longer lighted tube to screen for cancer and polyps inside your rectum and the entire length of your colon. If she sees any polyps during the procedure, she can remove them.
You might need a traditional colonoscopy every 10 years or more often if you have colorectal cancer risk factors.
Computed tomography (CT) colonography
A CT colonography, also called a virtual colonoscopy, produces images of your colon to screen for signs of cancer. Dr. Lau may suggest completing this procedure every five years, depending on your colon cancer risk factors.
If the results of your stool tests, sigmoidoscopy, or CT colonoscopy are abnormal, you might need a traditional colonoscopy to complete the colon cancer screening process.
Schedule a colon cancer screening at JKAN Gastroenterology PLLC by calling the office or booking a visit online today.