Your colon is a vital part of your health, as you need it to digest food and absorb nutrients into the body. Unfortunately, colon cancer kills people every day but is highly preventable and treatable when caught early. The medical team at Alaska Digestive and Liver Disease wants to keep your colon healthy. That is why you should have a colon cancer screening in Anchorage, Wasilla, Palmer & Mat-Su Valley, AK.
What Happens At A Screening?
Many people are intimidated by colon cancer screenings. However, when you go to a professional, they will ensure you are as comfortable as possible. During the colon cancer screening in Anchorage, Wasilla, Palmer & Mat-Su Valley, AK, you can expect to unrobe and put on a medical gown. During the procedure, your medical practitioner will use a long, flexible tube with a camera to look at the inside of your colon. They will make a note of any abnormalities, such as bumps, that may be removed. The procedure isn't very long and often only takes about 30 to 45 minutes. As long as no abnormalities are found, he won't have to do this procedure again for about 10 years. If you have a family history of colon cancer, your doctor may ask you to come back within a shorter amount of time, such as five years.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait
Early detection of colon cancer can save your life. It is most treatable when it's detected early and you can go on to live a long life. However, if you put off necessary screenings, cancer may not be detected until it's in its final stages, where it can be fatal. One of the best things about the screenings is that they detect the presence of polyps, which can eventually turn into cancer. However, doctors can remove these polyps before cancer happens. In other words, it is an effective screening to prevent a deadly form of cancer from happening.
The medical team at Alaska Digestive and Liver Disease wants you to live a long and healthy life. One of the best ways to do so is by getting a regular colon cancer screening in Anchorage, Wasilla, Palmer & Mat-Su Valley, AK. Contact our Anchorage office at (907) 569-1333 or the Wasilla, AK, office at (907) 631-3578 for this life-saving test.