Colon Cancer Screening

What is colon cancer?

Colon cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the colon, also called the large intestine. 

In most cases, colon cancer develops from colon polyps, benign growths that form on the inner wall of the large intestine. Finding and removing colon polyps may prevent colon cancer. 

Dr. Harrington is an experienced gastroenterologist who specializes in colon cancer screening and prevention. If you have concerns about colon cancer or it’s time for your screening, she can help. 

When do I need colon cancer screening?

You need to start colon cancer screenings at age 45 and continue regular screenings until you reach age 75. After 75, you and your primary care provider can discuss whether you need to continue with screenings or not.

You may need to start colon cancer screenings earlier than age 45 if you have a family history of colon cancer or polyps. Dr. Harrnington also recommends certain people with high risk conditions (for example, patients with inflammatory bowel disease or genetic syndromes) may need to start screenings sooner than 45.

What happens during colon cancer screening?

The specifics of your colon cancer screening depend on the type of screening test you have. However, colonoscopy is the gold-standard test for colon cancer screening and the tool Dr. Harrington uses for screenings.

During a colonoscopy, Dr. Harrington inserts a colonoscope (a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera) into your anus and slowly advances it through the entire length of your large intestine. The colonoscope transmits images of the lining of your large intestine onto a computer monitor, allowing Dr. Harrington to look for polyps or other abnormalities. 

She removes any polyps she finds and takes a biopsy of any abnormal tissue. 

A colonoscopy colon cancer screening takes about 30 minutes.

What happens after colon cancer screening?

Dr. Harrington sends you to the recovery area following your colon cancer screening and reviews her findings with you. She sends any tissue samples to the pathology lab for analysis and explains when you can expect the results.

You must arrange to have someone drive you home after your colonoscopy and plan to take the rest of the day off. You can resume all your normal activities the following day.

Colon cancer screening is the best tool for preventing colon cancer. Call the office of Allison Harrington Sirakos, MD, or book your screening online today.