A cancer screening is highly imperative. Hence, we felt the need to inform you even more on the topic. Revisit our previous post on the importance of a cancer screening.
Throughout the country and in Manhattan, cancer screening and public awareness have led to a steady decline in deaths from cancer over the years. Thanks in part to prompt diagnoses by medical professionals like our doctors at Manhattan Gastroenterology, death from all types of cancer has been reduced by about 1.5 percent from 2000 to 2009, according to the National Cancer Institute. But we can do better. Too many cases still go undetected or are caught too late.
Simple, painless tests to detect the early warning signs associated with cancer can help avoid many cancer deaths. Detecting the disease in its earliest stages gives you the best chance of successful treatment. Cancer screening in Manhattan can even prevent the disease from developing in the first place.
Cancer Risk Factors
The reason why some people develop cancer and others don’t is often unpredictable, but researchers have discovered certain risk factors. You can reduce your risk of cancer by avoiding risk factors such as:
- Cigarette smoking
- Alcohol consumption
- Inactivity
- Poor diet
- Sunbathing
Other risk factors for cancer, however, can’t be mitigated by your lifestyle choices. Factors such as your age and family history — as well as exposure to certain viruses, ionizing radiation, and various chemicals — are unavoidable. If one or more of these known risk factors apply to you, you owe it to yourself to take advantage of early screening and detection. Cancer screening in New York City is still the best tool to prevent the disease. Our gastroenterologists (often misspelled as gastroentologists) offer the following procedures:
Colon Cancer
Colon cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths. It’s also one of the most preventable. Our doctors utilize colonoscopy to detect polyps in your colon. Because colorectal cancer can begin in polyps, removing them is a first step toward preventing the deadly disease. A laboratory test can determine if they are cancerous.
Catching the small growths in your colon is the result of regular colorectal cancer screening. This screening is a powerful weapon for preventing colorectal cancer, and it’s one reason that colon cancer deaths have been declining for the last 20 years. We recommend screening colonoscopy for people aged 45 and even those younger if they’re in high-risk groups and even if they don’t show any symptoms.
Esophageal Cancer
Men are three times more likely to develop this type of cancer than women. Those with gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, and Barrett’s esophagus are even more at risk.
Esophageal cancer occurs in two main forms: squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Both types appear in the 10-to-13-inch tube that runs from your throat to your stomach. Our doctor visually inspects the lining of your esophagus and collects tissue samples that he sends to the laboratory.
If you are over 45, have a family history of cancer, or are in other high-risk groups, come in for a simple cancer screening in New York City. A colonoscopy or upper endoscopy takes no more than a couple of hours. With proper sedation, both are painless, and you’ll return to your daily activities quickly. Contact us today; these tests can save your life.
