Colorectal cancer is a unique threat because it's one of the most preventable forms of cancer, yet it remains a leading cause of death. At the practice of Robert G. Yavrouian, MD, FACS, FASCRS, in Glendale and Los Angeles, California, we want you to know that a colonoscopy isn't just a test to find a problem. It's a proactive way to stop cancer before it ever has the chance to start.
During the procedure, we look for small growths called polyps. These are initially benign, but they can turn into cancer over time. When we find them, we can remove them right then and there, effectively "weeding the garden" of your colon. It's a simple step that saves lives every single day.
For a long time, most people didn't need to think about a colonoscopy until they turned 50. That's changed because of a concerning rise in colorectal cancer among younger adults. Today, 1 in 5 people diagnosed with this disease is under the age of 55, according to the American Cancer Society. In response, medical experts lowered the recommended starting age for screenings to 45 for those at average risk.
If you've a family history of the disease, you might even need to start earlier. A good rule of thumb is to begin your screenings 10 years before the age your relative was diagnosed. Our team can help you determine the right timeline for your specific health history.
The fear of the procedure is almost always worse than the reality. A colonoscopy is a fast, private, and practically painless exam that usually takes about 30 minutes. Most of our patients are under sedation, meaning you'll take a short nap and wake up with no memory of the exam itself.
We also use modern techniques to make the experience better. For example, the "water exchange" method uses infused water instead of air to open the colon. This significantly reduces the cramping and bloating that some people used to feel after the procedure. It also helps us see the intestinal walls more clearly, which improves our ability to spot hidden polyps.
You've likely seen advertisements for at-home stool tests. While these are convenient, they aren't a replacement for a colonoscopy. Stool tests are designed to detect cancer that's already there, but they're much less effective at prevention. In fact, they miss more than half of the advanced, precancerous polyps that a colonoscopy would find and remove.
The evidence for this procedure is clear. A study by the Veterans Affairs health system found that undergoing a colonoscopy reduced the overall risk of death from colorectal cancer by 61%. When you choose a colonoscopy, you're choosing the gold standard in cancer prevention.
Don't wait for symptoms like pain or changes in your bowel habits to take action. Colorectal cancer is often a silent disease in its early stages, and early detection is the key to a 90% survivability rate. Call or use online booking today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Yavrouian and take charge of your long-term health.
