The Brookhaven Gastroenterology Associates team wants you to have a healthy colon. Regular colon cancer screenings in Suffolk County, NY, can help find or prevent the development of this increasingly common cancer. Before you schedule your first one, you should know what to expect.

Why You Need a Colon Cancer Screening in Suffolk County

 The number of Americans diagnosed with colon cancer continues to rise. Due to the increase in younger patients, the age for your first screening has risen to age 45. Regular screenings are responsible for early diagnosis, which saves lives. Doctors can find polyps before they become cancerous and remove them immediately.

What The Colonoscopy Process is Like

 When you go for a colonoscopy, you can expect to fast for the first few hours or day beforehand. Doctors must view inside your colon to check for any abnormalities that may be cancerous. When you go in for your procedure, you will lay on your side, and your doctor will give you anesthesia. A tube with a camera at the end will go through your rectum to check inside the colon.

The Aftermath of the Screening

 After your colon cancer screening in Suffolk County, NY, your doctor will give you immediate insight into the status of your condition. If your doctor finds no other cancerous lesions, you won't need another screening for another 10years. However, if you have a family history of the disease, you may need to come back sooner.

Polyps are usually removed during the colonoscopy unless they are too large and require surgery. Some polyps may be pre-cancerous, which is why your doctor may have you come back for regular monitoring. The doctor may biopsy certain polyps to ensure they are not cancerous.

If you have colon cancer, your doctor will tell you what stage it is at. Then, it is time to plan the most effective treatment. You may need radiation, chemotherapy, surgery, or a combination. The earlier the cancer is found, the greater the chances of recovery, as colon cancer is highly treatable when found early enough.

When it is time for a colon cancer screening in Suffolk County, you want a team of experts guiding you through the process. The Brookhaven Gastroenterology Associates team is here for you and can help you protect your colon. From prevention to diagnosis to proper treatment, our doctors have the expertise you need for colon health. To learn more, call (631) 289-0300 for the office in East Patchogue, NY, (631) 289-1708 for the office in Port Jefferson, NY, (631) 289-0301 for the office in East Islip, NY, and (631) 289-5101 for the office in Westhampton Beach, NY.