Cancer Screening

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Colon Cancer Screening

Cancer of the rectum and colon (colorectal cancer) is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Colorectal cancer is often found too late for cure. This does not always have to be the case. When found in the early stages, colorectal cancer can usually be cured by surgery. It is important for you to know the symptoms of colorectal cancer and the screening tests that can detect this cancer in its early stages before symptoms appear.

If a parent or a sibling has had colon cancer or polyps, you may be at an increased risk for a colon polyp or cancer. In this case, your doctor may want to examine your colon at regular intervals.

Signs of Colorectal Cancer

To detect this kind of cancer early, call your doctor immediately if you notice any of these signs of colorectal cancer:

	rectal bleeding
	blood in your stool
	a change in your bowel movements, especially in the shape of your stool
	cramping pain in your lower abdomen
	a feeling of discomfort or the urge to move your bowels when there is no need.

Screening Tests

The three main types of screening tests for colorectal cancer include:

	A digital rectal exam, in which your doctor feels the inside of your rectum and colon with a gloved finger. The exam is easy and inexpensive. However, this test may be of limited value because your doctor cannot reach very far into your colon.
	A lab test of a sample of your stool for traces of blood. Performing lab tests on stool samples to detect traces of blood is also relatively easy and inexpensive. However, many factors can interfere with the accuracy of these tests. Also, blood can be present for reasons other than colon cancer. Tests for traces of blood usually require further follow-up.
	Certain substances may lead to inaccurate results of the tests of stool samples. Before taking the test, avoid turnips, horseradish, red meat, vitamin C supplements, foods containing iron, and stomach irritants such as aspirin for 2 days.

Flexible sigmoidoscopy. Your doctor inserts a lighted flexible instrument called a sigmoidoscope into your rectum. Your doctor looks at the lower part of your colon with the sigmoidoscope and can also take samples of tissue with this instrument for lab analysis. About half of all colorectal cancers or polyps can be seen during this exam.

Undergoing Screening Tests

There is a difference of opinion as to the best timing of procedures for colorectal screening. In addition, there is controversy over which procedures are best. Ask your doctor what tests are best for you and when you should have them done.

If you are age 40 or over, ask your doctor if you should have the digital rectal exam and how often.

If you are over age 50, ask your doctor how often you should have a stool sample tested for blood and a sigmoidoscopy.

BrooklynGI.com with offices in New York City Brooklyn Queens and Manhattan. Treating patients from New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. is dedicated to helping patients and physicians receive accurate and up-to-date information on the Gastrointestinal tract (GI Tract) The organs that compose the GI tract include, Esophagus, Stomach, Small Intestine, Large Intestine (Colon), Pancreas and the Liver and Gall Bladder (Hepato-Biliary Tree) Dr. Scott Tenner
Physicians include Dr. Scott Tenner Dr. Robin Baradarian Dr. Susan Ramdhaney Dr. Nison Badalov
Private Practice at 2211 Emmons Ave. Other locations include Maimonides Medical Center 1025 48th Street, Beth Israel Medical Center at KD3201 Kings Highway, Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Ctr at 585 Schenectady Ave, Brookdale Hospital at One Brookdale Plaza, and Kings Highway Hospital at 2525 Kings Highway
We treat a variety of gastrointestinal GI diseases and conditions including Achalasia
Barrett's Esophagus Chronic Hepatitis Cirrhosis of the liver Celiac disease Collagenous Colitis Colorectal cancer Colorectal polyps Constipation Crohn's disease Diverticulosis And Diverticulitis Fatty liver (Steatohepatitis) Gallstones Gas Gastritis Gastric Cancer GERD Helicobacter pylori infection Hemochromatosis Hemorrhoids Hepatitis (Viral Hepatitis A, B, C etc) Hiatus Hernia Irritable Bowel Syndrome Lactose Intolerance Liver failure and transplantation Lymphocytic Colitis Microscopic Colitis Esophageal Cancer Pancreatitis Peptic Ulcer Primary biliary cirrhosis Reflux esophagitis Ulcerative colitis
A premier site for the diagnosis, treatment and management Gastrointestinal diseases, Drs. Tenner and Baradarian provide a variety of Patient Services.
Drs. Tenner and Baradarian are Board Certified Gastroenterologists performing a variety of tests and procedures at their private offices and at Maimonides Medical Center.
We perform many tests & procedure, including: Barium Enema Barium Esophagram Capsule Endoscopy Colonoscopy Colon Cancer Screening EGD (Esophagogastroduodenoscopy) Endoscopic Ultrasound ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography) Esophageal Dilation Esophageal pH Fundoplication Hemorrhoid Banding Hemorrhoidectomy Lactose Tolerance Test Liver Biopsy PEG (Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy) Sigmoidoscopy Stool Acidity Test Upper GI Series
BrooklynGI.com with offices in New York City Brooklyn Queens and Manhattan. Treating patients from New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. is dedicated to helping patients and physicians receive accurate and up-to-date information on the Gastrointestinal tract (GI Tract) The organs that compose the GI tract include, Esophagus, Stomach, Small Intestine, Large Intestine (Colon), Pancreas and the Liver and Gall Bladder (Hepato-Biliary Tree) Dr. Scott Tenner. Physicians include Dr. Scott Tenner Dr. Robin Baradarian Dr. Susan Ramdhaney Dr. Nison Badalov.
Gastrointestinal GI diseases and conditions including Achalasia Private Practice at 2211 Emmons Ave. Other locations include Maimonides Medical Center 1025 48th Street, Beth Israel Medical Center at KD3201 Kings Highway, Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Ctr at 585 Schenectady Ave, Brookdale Hospital at One Brookdale Plaza, and Kings Highway Hospital at 2525 Kings Highway
Barrett's Esophagus Chronic Hepatitis Cirrhosis of the liver Celiac disease Collagenous Colitis Colorectal cancer Colorectal polyps Constipation Crohn's disease Diverticulosis And Diverticulitis Fatty liver (Steatohepatitis) Gallstones Gas Gastritis Gastric Cancer GERD Helicobacter pylori infection Hemochromatosis Hemorrhoids Hepatitis (Viral Hepatitis A, B, C etc) Hiatus Hernia Irritable Bowel Syndrome Lactose Intolerance Liver failure and transplantation Lymphocytic Colitis Microscopic Colitis Esophageal Cancer Pancreatitis Peptic Ulcer Primary biliary cirrhosis Reflux esophagitis Ulcerative colitis
A premier site for the diagnosis, treatment and management Gastrointestinal diseases, Drs. Tenner and Baradarian provide a variety of Patient Services.
Drs. Tenner and Baradarian are Board Certified Gastroenterologists performing a variety of tests and procedures at their private offices and at Maimonides Medical Center.
We perform many tests & procedure, including: Barium Enema Barium Esophagram Capsule Endoscopy Colonoscopy Colon Cancer Screening EGD (Esophagogastroduodenoscopy) Endoscopic Ultrasound ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography) Esophageal Dilation Esophageal pH Fundoplication Hemorrhoid Banding Hemorrhoidectomy Lactose Tolerance Test Liver Biopsy PEG (Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy) Sigmoidoscopy Stool Acidity Test Upper GI Series