Colon Cancer Screening
Who should be screened?
Everyone age 45 or older who has not yet had a colonoscopy
Anyone with a family history of colon cancer may need to be screened sooner than 45
Anyone with blood in their stool may need additional screening
High quality colonoscopy:
Colonoscopies performed by board-certified, highly trained endoscopists have been shown to significantly decrease the rate of colon cancer by removing precancerous growths in the colon.
Some polyps, particularly those in the right side of the colon, tend to be flatter and difficult to identify.
Hurried or inexpert colonoscopy could miss these and other polyps.
Benchmarks of a High Quality Endoscopist:
High rate of cecal intubation, meaning the endoscopist is usually, if not always, able to reach the cecum, where the colon starts, allowing for a complete evaluation of colon, particularly the right side of the colon, where polyps can be more difficult to identify.
Dr. Larsen’s cecal intubation rate is 100%.
High adenoma detection rate, meaning the endoscopist finds adenomatous polyps in at least 15% of women and 25% of men.
The reduction of colon cancer risk hinges on the ability to find precancerous growths. Dr. Larsen’s adenoma rate is 45%.
Exceeding these benchmarks indicate that polyps are caught in earlier stages, with high rates of early detection.
Hepatitis C
Did you know baby boomers are at increased risk for chronic hepatitis C?
The CDC and USPSTF recommends that anyone born between 1945-1965 be screened one time for chronic hepatitis C. Hepatitis C is a virus that is transmitted through blood, causes liver damage and increases the risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer. Fortunately, treatments are available that are safe and effective.
Are you OVERDUE?
Everyone age 45 or older should have a colonoscopy
Anyone with a family history of colon cancer may need to be screened sooner than 45
Call us to ask about your screening colonoscopy
Nausea? Vomiting? Abdominal Pain?
These symptoms are very common and can be challenging to treat. Often, patients have suffered with significant symptoms for years by the time they see us and treatment can begin.
Through tailored medication regimens and lifestyle changes, we can provide relief, diminishing the severity and frequency of symptoms so patients can get back to enjoying life.
Reflux?
If you have heartburn more than once a week, requiring a medication like Prilosec you should be evaluated for long term esophageal changes
Food Sticking?
If you have difficulty with bread or meat sticking in the esophagus, there are procedures that can help, make an appointment to find out what may work for you
Nausea? Vomiting? Abdominal Pain?
These symptoms are very common and can be challenging to treat. Often, patients have suffered with significant symptoms for years by the time they see us and treatment can begin.
Through tailored medication regimens and lifestyle changes, we can provide relief, diminishing the severity and frequency of symptoms so patients can get back to enjoying life.
Hepatitis C
Did you know baby boomers are at increased risk for chronic hepatitis C?
The CDC and USPSTF recommends that anyone born between 1945-1965 be screened one time for chronic hepatitis C. Hepatitis C is a virus that is transmitted through blood, causes liver damage and increases the risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer. Fortunately, treatments are available that are safe and effective.
Have more questions?
Non Medical Questions can be sent to our administrator using the contact sheet below.
These messages are checked on a weekly basis.