How a Colon Cancer Screening Could Save Your Life

Did you know a colon cancer screening can save your life? It’s true! Colon cancer is more common than you think. In fact, it’s the third leading cause of cancer deaths, according to the American Cancer Society. Dr. Vinay Katukuri at Advanced Gastroenterology of Central Florida in Kissimmee, FL, offers a wide range of gastroenterology services including colon cancer screenings to help protect your health.

If you are over 50, you need a colon cancer screening, which typically includes a colonoscopy. A colonoscopy is a major diagnostic tool in the fight against colon cancer, but colonoscopies are done for other reasons too, including:

• Chronic abdominal pain
• Intestinal polyps or abnormal growths
• Recurrent diarrhea or constipation
• Blood in your stool

You will typically be sedated during a colonoscopy, so it is important to bring someone with you who can drive you home after the procedure. During a colonoscopy procedure, a thin flexible tube is inserted into your rectum and guided up into your colon.

The tube has a camera on one end, which enables your gastroenterologist to see the walls of your colon. Your gastroenterologist will be looking for any areas of abnormal tissue, including any growths or polyps. Abnormal growths or polyps can be removed during the procedure. They may be biopsied to look for any precancerous or cancerous changes.

The procedure itself only takes about 45 minutes, but because of sedation, you will be in the office between 2 and 3 hours. Just a small portion of time out of your busy schedule could save your life!

Colon cancer screenings can help diagnose colon cancer in its early stages, when it is highly treatable. Early treatment leads to a better outcome for you. For more information about colon cancer screening and how it can help you stay healthy, call Dr. Vinay Katukuri at Advanced Gastroenterology of Central Florida in Kissimmee, FL, today at (407) 703-3300!