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How a Colonoscopy Can Save Your Life: Screening and Prevention

How a Colonoscopy Can Save Your Life: Screening and Prevention

A colonoscopy is a vital screening tool for colorectal cancer, allowing early detection and removal of polyps. Regular colonoscopies, recommended starting at age 45, significantly reduce the risk of colorectal cancer-related deaths. Dr. Debora J. Fox-McClary, M.D., MBA, FACS, FASCRS, Dr. Antonino Cammarata, D.O., and Dr. J. Brian Brizendine, M.D., at Phoenix Unified Surgeons offer comprehensive colonoscopy services using advanced techniques and technology. We are conveniently located at 20333 N 19th Avenue, Ste 230 Phoenix, AZ 85027. For more information, contact us or request an appointment online.

A colonoscopy is a vital screening tool for colorectal cancer, allowing early detection and removal of polyps. Regular colonoscopies, recommended starting at age 45, significantly reduce the risk of colorectal cancer-related deaths. Dr. Debora J. Fox-McClary, M.D., MBA, FACS, FASCRS, at Phoenix Unified Surgeons offers comprehensive colonoscopy services using advanced techniques and technology. We are conveniently located at 20333 N 19th Avenue, Ste 230 Phoenix, AZ 85027. For more information, contact us or request an appointment online.
A colonoscopy is a vital screening tool for colorectal cancer, allowing early detection and removal of polyps. Regular colonoscopies, recommended starting at age 45, significantly reduce the risk of colorectal cancer-related deaths. Dr. Debora J. Fox-McClary, M.D., MBA, FACS, FASCRS, at Phoenix Unified Surgeons offers comprehensive colonoscopy services using advanced techniques and technology. We are conveniently located at 20333 N 19th Avenue, Ste 230 Phoenix, AZ 85027. For more information, contact us or request an appointment online.

Table of Contents:

How does a colonoscopy help prevent colorectal cancer?
Can a colonoscopy detect early signs of cancer?
How effective is a colonoscopy in preventing colorectal cancer?
How does early detection with a colonoscopy improve treatment outcomes?

How does a colonoscopy help prevent colorectal cancer?


At Phoenix Unified Surgeons, we are committed to providing comprehensive healthcare to our patients. As part of our extensive range of services, we recognize the importance of preventative measures like colonoscopy in detecting and preventing colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer is a prevalent and potentially devastating disease that affects the colon or rectum. It arises from abnormal growths or polyps within the lining of these organs. Prompt detection and removal of these polyps through colonoscopy are crucial for preventing the progression of cancerous lesions.

During a colonoscopy, our surgeons use a thin, flexible instrument equipped with a tiny camera to visualize the inside of the entire colon. This allows them to meticulously identify any suspicious areas or polyps. Our surgeons are skilled in detecting and removing these polyps, effectively preventing them from evolving into colorectal cancer and eliminating potential cancerous growths.

Phoenix Unified Surgeons is also dedicated to the early detection of colorectal cancer. The colonoscopy procedure enables our surgeons to take tissue samples or biopsies to test for cancer. If cancer is detected, the method allows our surgeons to determine the disease’s size, location, and extent, informing a more precise and potentially more effective treatment plan.

Can a colonoscopy detect early signs of cancer?


Phoenix Unified Surgeons understands that your health and well-being are paramount. Our team of experienced and dedicated professionals specializes in colonoscopies, a critical medical procedure essential for the early detection and prevention of colon cancer.

Colon cancer is the third leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, making regular screenings vital. Our surgeons inspect the inside of your colon and rectum using a colonoscope, which is a flexible, long instrument with a tiny video camera connected to the end. Using this advanced diagnostic tool, we’re able to detect any suspicious areas, take tissue samples for analysis, and remove small growths known as polyps that can potentially develop into cancer.

At Phoenix Unified Surgeons, we strongly recommend regular colonoscopies every 5 to 10 years starting at the age of 50, or earlier if you have a higher risk such as a family history of the disease. This preventive measure significantly increases the chances of identifying colorectal cancer in its early stages, resulting in more effective treatment and improved survival rates.

We understand that any medical procedure can cause some anxiety. Be assured that colonoscopies are generally safe and our team takes every precaution to minimize potential risks such as bleeding, infection, and perforation of the colon. Our primary focus is your health and we believe the benefits of early detection and prevention of colorectal cancer far outweigh any potential discomfort or inconvenience.

How effective is a colonoscopy in preventing colorectal cancer?


We understand the importance of regular colonoscopy screenings in preventing colorectal cancer. Our medical team is highly skilled in performing these minimally invasive procedures, which allow us to examine the entire colon and rectum for any abnormalities or changes that might indicate the presence of cancer or precancerous conditions.

We take pride in the main advantage of colonoscopy — its ability to not only detect but also remove polyps during the procedure. Eliminating these polyps during a colonoscopy may prevent them from turning malignant, significantly reducing the risk of colorectal cancer.

Research supports the effectiveness of regular colonoscopy screenings, showing they can reduce the risk of colorectal cancer by up to 60 to 70 percent. However, the effectiveness of a colonoscopy can also depend on factors such as the skill and experience of the doctor performing the procedure, the quality of the bowel preparation, and the patient’s cooperation during the procedure – all factors we take into account at Phoenix Unified Surgeons.

While colonoscopies have proven to be a highly effective tool in cancer prevention, it’s important to recognize that the procedure is not foolproof. Some polyps may be missed during the procedure, and there may be a risk of complications, such as bleeding or perforation. We ensure that patients follow the recommended intervals for colonoscopies to ensure optimal effectiveness.

How does early detection with a colonoscopy improve treatment outcomes?


At Phoenix Unified Surgeons, we prioritize your health and well-being. A key part of our comprehensive approach to healthcare is the use of colonoscopy as an invaluable tool for the early detection of colorectal cancer and other colon-related diseases. This method enables the direct view of the colon, considerably increasing our capacity to provide effective therapies.

One of the main advantages of a colonoscopy screening is the ability to identify and remove precancerous polyps before they develop into cancer. These abnormal growths, if undetected, could potentially become cancerous. Our skilled medical team can remove these polyps on the spot during a colonoscopy, thereby preventing the onset of colorectal cancer and reducing the risk of this disease.

Early detection also translates into early, often minimally invasive treatment. If colorectal cancer is found during a colonoscopy, it is likely in the early stages, making it easier to treat with laparoscopic or robotic surgery. These techniques minimize surgical trauma, speeding up recovery time, and enhancing patient outcomes.

Patients diagnosed with early-stage colorectal cancer have a significantly higher survival rate because early-stage cancers are more likely to be confined and have not yet moved to different parts of the body. This makes them easier to treat and potentially cure.

Moreover, early detection provides our doctors with a wider range of treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Knowing the specific stage and type of cancer allows our medical professionals to tailor the treatment plan to each individual, maximizing effectiveness and minimizing side effects to improve the patient’s quality of life.

We also use routine colonoscopies to monitor the progress of previously treated colorectal cancer, reducing the risk of recurrence. Regular screenings can detect any signs of recurrence at an early stage, providing the best chance of successful re-treatment and limiting the chances of cancer cells spreading to other parts of the body.

The benefits of early detection through colonoscopy far outweigh any potential discomfort or risks, significantly improving treatment outcomes and patient prognosis. At Phoenix Unified Surgeons, our goal is to detect and treat colorectal cancer early, helping maintain our patients’ quality of life, and allowing them to live longer, healthier lives. We are conveniently located at 20333 N 19th Avenue, Ste 230 Phoenix, AZ 85027. For more information, contact us or request an appointment online. We serve patients from Phoenix AZ, Sun City AZ, Peoria AZ, Surprise AZ, Glendale AZ, Scottsdale AZ, and surrounding areas.