Colon Cancer Screening Specialist
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ProDigest Gastroenterology & Hepatology Associates
Board Certified Gastroenterologists & Hepatology located in Long Beach, CA, Lakewood, CA
Though the number of people diagnosed with colon cancer is declining, it’s still the third most common cancer in the United States. Colon cancer screening can save your life. Mehrdad Saliminejad, MD, at ProDigest Gastroenterology & Hepatology Associates in Lakewood and Long Beach, California, uses advanced endoscopic tools to perform colon cancer screening. Don’t put off your screening. Call the office most convenient to you or schedule your colon cancer screening online today.
Colon Cancer Screening Q & A
Why is colon cancer screening important?
Simply stated, colon cancer screening is important because it can save your life. Colon cancer is a slow-growing cancer that develops in the large intestine. It usually starts as polyps, which are benign growths that develop in the lining of your colon.
Though not all polyps turn cancerous, when they’re left undetected and untreated, polyps may grow large and become cancerous, spreading throughout your colon.
When performing a colon cancer screening, Dr. Saliminejad looks for and removes polyps, reducing your risk of developing colon cancer.
When do I need colon cancer screening?
The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that adults start colon cancer screening at age 45 and continue until age 75. If you have risk factors for colon cancer, Dr. Saliminejad may urge you to start screening at an earlier age.
Colon cancer risk factors include:
- History of polyps
- Family history of colon cancer
- Personal history of colon cancer
- You have an inflammatory bowel disease
- You have Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)
Dr. Saliminejad also takes your lifestyle and health into consideration when recommending a colon cancer screening.
If you have concerns about colon cancer or need a colon cancer screening, schedule an appointment at ProDigest Gastroenterology & Hepatology Associates.
How is a colon cancer screening performed?
There are many tools that screen for colon cancer. However, Dr. Saliminejad uses the gold standard among colon cancer screening tools: the colonoscopy.
During this endoscopic procedure, he uses a colonoscope — a thin flexible tube with a light and camera — to evaluate the lining of your entire colon. If he finds any polyps during your screening, he removes them.
Dr. Saliminejad keeps you under sedation during your screening, so you feel relaxed and comfortable. Most screenings take 20-30 minutes. However, if Dr. Saliminejad finds any polyps, the screening may take up to an hour.
If your colonoscopy colon cancer screening is negative, Dr. Saliminejad recommends repeating the test every 10 years.
ProDigest Gastroenterology & Hepatology Associates provides a wide range of gastroenterology and hepatology services, as well as advanced and therapeutic endoscopic interventions and minimally invasive endoscopic treatments.
Schedule your colon cancer screening by calling ProDigest Gastroenterology & Hepatology Associates or booking online today.
