Colon Cancer Screening

Colon cancer is the third leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Most colon cancers start as benign growths called polyps. Detecting colon polyps and removing them at a screening colonoscopy can prevent most cases of colon cancer. At Southend Gastroenterology Associates, experienced gastroenterologist Sanjay Jain, MD, offers colon cancer screenings routinely to patients in Louisville, Kentucky, and around Southern Indiana. Call the office or schedule an appointment online today if you’re due for a colon cancer screening.

What is colon cancer screening?

Colon cancer screening is used to detect colon cancer or pre-cancerous growths (polyps) in the colon or rectum. The goal of colon cancer screening at Southend Gastroenterology Associates is to detect and remove polyps before they turn into cancer or detect cancer at an early stage, when it is the most treatable. 

Colonoscopy is considered the gold standard when it comes to colon cancer screening.  During colonoscopies, Dr. Jain can find and remove any pre-cancerous lesions called adenomas, and thus, help prevent colon cancer. Over his career, Dr. Jain has saved numerous lives by treating and preventing colon cancer in patients. 

Who needs colon cancer screening?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends starting colon cancer screening at age 45 and continuing regular screenings every 10 years through age 75 for people who have average risk of colorectal cancer.

The following conditions make one have a greater than normal risk of developing colon cancer and they will need initial colonoscopy at an earlier age and more frequent colonoscopies: 

• Personal history of colon cancer or adenomatous polyps
• Family history of colon cancer or polyps
• Genetic syndromes like familial adenomatous polyposis or Lynch syndrome
• Personal history ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease

Dr. Jain may also recommend performing a colonoscopy if you have unexplained abdominal pain, anemia, blood in stool, or chronic bowel problems like diarrhea or constipation. 

How do I prepare for colon cancer screening?

Preparation for colon cancer screening does require bowel preparation. Bowel prep is a combination of starting on a clear, liquid diet and taking special laxatives. This helps get your bowel cleansed and Dr. Jain can then see any polyps or tumor when performing colonoscopy.  Instructions on the bowel prep will be provided to you by Dr. Jain in detail.

What happens during colon cancer screening?

When you come in for colon cancer screening, your anesthesia provider administers medications to make you fall asleep. Afterwards, Dr. Jain will push a colonoscope through the rectum all the way to cecum. He can see any polyps or masses and has the tools to remove them or take biopsies for further diagnosis. 

You know if you have cancer right after the test. You may have to wait for the biopsy results, as they usually take 5-7 days to come back. A follow-up visit will be scheduled with Dr. Jain in the office.
You’ll need to arrange a ride home as the sedative makes it unsafe for you to drive. Plan to take it easy for the rest of the day. 

Call Southend Gastroenterology Associates or schedule your colon cancer screening online today.