Colon cancer is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide. But the good news is that if it is found early, it can be treated successfully. Screening for colon cancer helps detect the disease before symptoms appear, which means you can get the right treatment early and improve your chances of a full recovery.
If you live in Dubai and want to learn about colon cancer screening, this article is for you. Dr. Neil, a leading best gastro doctor in dubai, explains when and why you should get screened for colon cancer, what tests are involved, and how screening can save lives.
What Is Colon Cancer?
Colon cancer, also called colorectal cancer, starts in the colon or rectum. The colon and rectum are parts of the large intestine, which is the last part of the digestive system. The colon absorbs water and nutrients from food, and the rectum stores waste before it leaves the body.
Colon cancer usually begins as small, non-cancerous growths called polyps inside the colon. Over time, some of these polyps can turn into cancer. If cancer is found early, it is easier to treat and cure. If it spreads, treatment becomes more difficult.
Why Is Colon Cancer Screening Important?
Most people with early colon cancer do not have any symptoms. Symptoms such as blood in the stool, abdominal pain, or changes in bowel habits usually appear when the cancer has grown or spread.
Screening means checking for colon cancer before you have any symptoms. Screening helps to:
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Detect polyps early and remove them before they become cancerous.
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Find colon cancer at an early stage when treatment is more effective.
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Reduce the risk of dying from colon cancer.
Because colon cancer can grow slowly over several years, screening can save lives by catching the disease early.
Who Should Get Screened for Colon Cancer?
Not everyone needs to get screened at the same age or frequency. Your risk of colon cancer depends on several factors, such as your age, family history, lifestyle, and health conditions.
1. Average-Risk Adults
If you are an average-risk adult with no symptoms and no family history of colon cancer, most experts, including Dr. Neil in Dubai, recommend starting screening at age 45. This is based on recent studies showing that colon cancer can affect people younger than previously thought.
2. People with Higher Risk
You may need to start screening earlier or have tests more often if you:
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Have a family history of colon cancer or polyps.
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Have a personal history of polyps or colon cancer.
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Have inflammatory bowel diseases, like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
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Have certain genetic conditions like Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP).
If you fall into one of these groups, speak to Dr. Neil, your gastroenterologist in Dubai, about when to begin screening and what type of test is best for you.
3. People with Symptoms
If you have symptoms such as:
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Blood in your stool or rectal bleeding.
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Unexplained weight loss.
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Persistent abdominal pain or cramps.
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Changes in bowel habits like diarrhea or constipation lasting more than a few days.
You should see a gastroenterologist as soon as possible for evaluation and possible screening.
How Is Colon Cancer Screening Done?
Several tests are available to screen for colon cancer. The choice depends on your risk, preferences, and availability.
1. Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is the most common and thorough screening test. It allows the doctor to see the entire colon and rectum using a thin, flexible tube with a camera.
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Procedure: You will receive medication to help you relax. The doctor inserts the colonoscope into your rectum and carefully examines your colon. If polyps or abnormal tissue are found, they can be removed during the procedure.
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Frequency: For average-risk people, colonoscopy is usually done every 10 years if the results are normal.
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Advantages: It can detect and remove polyps in one visit.
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Considerations: It requires preparation to clean the bowel and sedation.
2. Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT)
FIT checks for hidden blood in the stool, which may be a sign of polyps or cancer.
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Procedure: You collect a small stool sample at home and send it to the lab.
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Frequency: Usually done every year.
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Advantages: It is simple, non-invasive, and can be done at home.
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Considerations: If positive, a colonoscopy is needed for follow-up.
3. Stool DNA Test (e.g., Cologuard)
This test looks for DNA changes in stool cells that could indicate cancer.
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Procedure: Like FIT, you collect stool at home and send it to the lab.
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Frequency: Every 3 years.
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Advantages: Non-invasive and more sensitive than FIT.
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Considerations: Positive results require a colonoscopy.
4. Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
This test examines the lower part of the colon using a flexible tube.
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Frequency: Every 5 years.
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Advantages: Less invasive than colonoscopy.
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Considerations: Only examines part of the colon, so polyps in the upper colon can be missed.
What Happens If Screening Finds Polyps or Cancer?
If polyps are found during colonoscopy, they are usually removed immediately. Removing polyps can prevent colon cancer from developing.
If cancer is found, your gastroenterologist Dr. Neil in Dubai will guide you through further tests and treatment options. Treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation, depending on the cancer stage.
Tips to Lower Your Risk of Colon Cancer
Besides screening, some lifestyle changes can reduce your risk:
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Eat a healthy diet: Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Limit red meat and processed foods.
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Stay active: Exercise regularly to maintain a healthy weight.
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Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption.
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Manage health conditions: Control diabetes and inflammatory bowel diseases with the help of your doctor.
Why Choose Dr. Neil, Gastroenterologist in Dubai?
Dr. Neil is an experienced and caring gastroenterologist in Dubai who specializes in digestive diseases, including colon cancer screening and prevention.
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He uses the latest technology for accurate diagnosis.
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He explains the procedures in simple terms so you feel comfortable.
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Dr. Neil provides personalized care tailored to your risk and needs.
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His clinic follows international safety and hygiene standards.
If you are in Dubai and wonder when to get screened for colon cancer or want more information, schedule an appointment with Dr. Neil today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: At what age should I start colon cancer screening?
For average-risk adults, screening usually starts at age 45. People with higher risk should start earlier.
Q2: How often should I get screened?
It depends on the test. Colonoscopy every 10 years, FIT yearly, stool DNA test every 3 years, and sigmoidoscopy every 5 years.
Q3: Is colonoscopy painful?
No, sedation is given during the procedure to keep you comfortable.
Q4: Can colon cancer be prevented?
Screening and healthy lifestyle changes can greatly reduce your risk.
Q5: What if I have no symptoms? Should I still get screened?
Yes, screening is for people without symptoms to catch cancer early.
Conclusion
Colon cancer is a serious disease, but early detection through screening can save your life. If you live in Dubai, Dr. Neil, your trusted gastroenterologist, is here to help you understand your risk and choose the right screening test.
Don’t wait for symptoms. Talk to Dr. Neil about colon cancer screening and take a step toward protecting your health today.
If you want to book a consultation with Dr. Neil or learn more about colon cancer screening in Dubai, contact the clinic now.