Colon Cancer Screening in Denver, Colorado Springs, & Lone Tree, CO

Name: Colon Cancer Screening
Brand: Peak Gastroenterology Associates
Rating: 4.6 (2314 reviews)

Despite being preventable, colon cancer is the third most common cancer in women and men. You can prevent colon cancer with a screening that finds and removes polyps in your large intestine. The doctors at Peak Gastroenterology Associates have years of experience performing high-quality colon cancer screenings at their Denver, Colorado Springs, and Lone Tree clinics. If you have questions or want to schedule an appointment, call one of the offices or use the online booking feature today.

What Is Colon Cancer Screening?

Colon cancer screening refers to specific tests used to detect colon cancer before you have symptoms. Your screening can be done with two types of testing: stool-based tests and a colonoscopy. Stool-based tests detect the presence of blood in your stool, which could come from colon cancer or several other health conditions. If a stool test is positive for blood, you still need to have a colonoscopy to determine if you have cancer.

When Do I Need a Colon Cancer Screening?

Healthy adults with an average risk of colon cancer should start screening at the age of 45. If you’re at a higher risk of developing colon cancer, your doctor at Peak Gastroenterology Associates may recommend an earlier screening.

How Does a Colonoscopy Screen for Colon Cancer?

Nearly all colon cancers originate in colon polyps. Colonoscopies screen for colon cancer by allowing your doctor to find and remove polyps. Though polyps are benign or noncancerous when they first appear, their DNA can change, becoming cancerous over time. When all the polyps are removed, you prevent colon cancer.

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What Causes Colon Cancer?

Though the exact cause of colon cancer hasn’t been identified, medical experts believe that most cases develop due to acquired genetic mutations. This type of mutation occurs as lifestyle factors influence genetic activity. The key risk factors for colon cancer include:

Being overweight or obese
Physical inactivity
Diets high in red meat and processed meat
Drinking too much alcohol
Smoking cigarettes

Your risk of developing colon cancer also increases as you get older if you have inflammatory bowel disease or if you have a family history of colon cancer or colon polyps. About 5 percent of people who develop colon cancer have inherited gene mutations associated with family cancer syndromes.

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Importance of Colorectal Cancer Screening

What Symptoms Develop if I Have Colon Cancer?

Colon cancer rarely causes symptoms until it progresses to an advanced stage. When symptoms develop, you may experience:

Blood in stools
Dark, tarry stools
Changes in bowel habits
Abdominal pain
Bloating
Weight loss

Cancerous polyps bleed, and the ongoing blood loss may lead to anemia.

What Should I Expect During a Colonoscopy?

When you have a colonoscopy, your doctor at Peak Gastroenterology Associates guides a narrow, flexible tube through your large intestine. The tube, called a colonoscope, contains lighting and a video camera that sends images of the intestine to a monitor.

While viewing the intestinal wall, your doctor looks for signs of inflammation and polyps. Every polyp is removed and sent to a lab where the tissues are examined for signs of cancer. Your colonoscopy takes 20 to 60 minutes, depending on the number of polyps.

If you need to schedule a colon cancer screening, call Peak Gastroenterology Associates or use the online booking feature.

FAQ

What is often the first red flag of colon cancer?

Early signs of colon cancer can be subtle and may include changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, unexplained fatigue, or unexplained weight loss. However, many early cases have no symptoms, which is why screening is important.

At what age is colon cancer most common?

Colon cancer is most commonly diagnosed in adults over age 50, though rates in younger adults have been increasing. Most screening guidelines now recommend starting at age 45 for average-risk individuals.

Where is colon cancer pain usually felt?

Colon cancer may cause abdominal discomfort or cramping, but pain location can vary and is not always present in early stages. This is why colon cancer can develop without obvious warning signs.

How often should I get a colonoscopy if I’m at average risk?

Most patients at average risk should have a colonoscopy every 10 years starting at age 45. Your doctor may recommend a different schedule based on your personal or family history.

Do I need a colonoscopy if I have no symptoms?

Yes. Colon cancer screening is designed to detect polyps and early-stage cancer before symptoms develop, when treatment is most effective.

What happens if a polyp is found during my colonoscopy?

Most polyps are removed immediately during the procedure and sent to a lab for analysis. Removing polyps early helps prevent them from developing into cancer.

Is a colonoscopy painful?

No. Most patients are sedated during the procedure and do not feel pain. Some mild bloating or cramping afterward is normal and typically resolves quickly.

How should I prepare for a colonoscopy?

Preparation typically includes following a clear liquid diet and taking a bowel cleansing solution the day before the procedure to ensure the colon is fully clean for accurate results.

What are the risks of a colonoscopy?

Colonoscopy is considered a very safe procedure. Rare risks include bleeding, especially after polyp removal, or perforation, but serious complications are uncommon.

Can colon cancer be prevented?

While not all cases can be prevented, colon cancer risk can be significantly reduced through regular screenings, polyp removal, a healthy diet, exercise, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol use.

How long does it take to recover after a colonoscopy?

Most patients resume normal activities within 24 hours. Because of sedation, you will need someone to drive you home after the procedure.