The Importance of Colon Cancer Screenings

Dr. Ilyas Memon of Woodlands and Conroe, TX, offers patients a colon cancer screening as a preventative measure that may end up saving their life. The American Cancer Society estimates more than 100,000 new cases of colon cancer and about 43,000 new cases of rectal cancer in the United States for 2020.

Colon Cancer Screening

The advantages of colon cancer screenings are they detect cancerous polyps and prevent cancer from spreading. This is most helpful when cancer is found during its earlier stages and treated as early as possible.

There are several ways to screen for colon cancer:

• Stool test: Polyps in the colon cause bleeding undetected by the naked eye, which is why a stool sample is taken as part of the screening process.
• Sigmoidoscopy: A small flexible scope views the lower part of your colon but misses cancer that may be higher in the large intestine, which is why a stool test is used as well.
• Colonoscopy: A colonoscopy is when the entire colon is viewed. Your Woodlands and Conroe doctor will provide a bowel cleanser to prepare for the procedure and give you medication to make you relaxed and sleepy.
• CT Scans/Virtual Colonoscopy: This is used as an alternative to a colonoscopy.
• Capsule Endoscopy: Patients swallow a small, pill-sized camera that takes a video of the inside of your intestines.

Symptoms

The a colon cancer screening from your doctor in Woodlands and Conroe, TX, can detect cancer early. How? Colon cancer symptoms aren't always obvious which is why a colon cancer screening can help detect cancer in its early stages and treat it sooner.

Here are a few symptoms:

• Bowel habit changes
• Incomplete evacuation
• Blood in your stool
• Fatigue
• Weight loss

Contact Dr. Ilyas Memon in Conroe and the Woodlands, TX, to learn more about to schedule an appointment at (281) 764-9500.