What Is a Colon Cancer Screening?

At Suburban Surgical Associates/Suburban Metabolic Institute in Illinois, our medical providers diagnose and treat a variety of conditions. One of our most beneficial procedures are colon cancer screenings, which detect the presence of colon cancer and pre-cancerous growths. Adults 50 to 75 are good candidates for regular screenings to check for any potential problems. If you're not familiar with colon cancer screenings, and you're in the Elmhurst, Berwyn, or La Grange areas, you've come to the right place.

Why are colon cancer screenings necessary?

Colon cancer doesn't necessarily present with noticeable symptoms, at least not at any early stage. A screening every five to ten years - or more frequently, depending on your risk factors - helps to detect and remove the growth of polyps that put you at risk for developing cancer later. Regular screenings can also pick up on the presence of colorectal cancer in its initial, treatable stages.

What types of colon cancer screenings are available?

Our providers routinely perform colonoscopies as a screening tool for colon cancer and pre-cancerous polyps. These tests are known for being highly effective. Colonoscopies start with a preparatory regimen at home, typically involving fasting except for clear liquids and a medicated beverage given to you by your doctor. The procedure itself is done in one of our facilities in La Grange, Berwyn, or Elmhurst, where you will be given medication to make you sleepy. The colonoscopy involves a thin, lighted tube that will be used to examine the lower part of your intestine through a computer screen. Polyp removal or tissue biopsies may be performed during the colonoscopy. The procedure from start to finish should take between 20 and 45 minutes.

To schedule a colonoscopy at Suburban Surgical Associates/Suburban Metabolic Institute, contact us at (708) 484-0621 to schedule an appointment at one of our three Illinois locations: Elmhurst, La Grange, or Berwyn, IL.

Please call our office number (708)484-0621 for all questions and appointment requests.