Colon cancer detection in Vero Beach

How do you get tested for colon cancer?

Colon cancer is a silent killer. Its symptoms don’t show in the early stages of the disease, and they can be confused with signs of other illnesses, but it is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths for men and women combined. Therefore, it is extremely important to get colon cancer detection in Vero Beach County to identify it in its early stages.

The following tests are not only used for colon cancer detection, but also to discover polyps or other abnormalities. They can be performed even when a person does not have symptoms associated with colon cancer.

• A fecal occult blood test (FOBT)
• A fecal immunochemical test (FIT)
• A stool DNA
• A colonoscopy
• A sigmoidoscopy
• A virtual or CT colonoscopy
• A double contrast barium enema (DCBE)

 

All these tests have different characteristics in terms of type of test, invasiveness, preparation, cost and insurance coverage. They are all available for colon cancer detection in Vero Beach, so you should talk to your doctor to decide which one is the best option for you.

FIT, FOBT and stool DNAs detect colon cancer by examining stool samples. They don’t require any special preparation, although your physician may recommend you to limit or remove some foods before the test.

Colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, CT colonoscopy and DCBE are optical tests, which means that a specialist gets to see images of the colon to look for polyps and abnormalities. DCBE and CT colonoscopy take images via X-rays, while colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy show live images of the colon with a camera, allowing the doctor to remove any abnormal growth.

You can reduce your risk of colon cancer by making healthy lifestyle changes, like:

• Eating a variety of fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
• Drink alcohol moderately or avoid it completely.
• Stop smoking.
• Exercise most days of the week for at least 30 minutes.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Limit consumption of saturated fats and red meat.

Although the exact causes of colon cancer are not known, it’s widely believed that having a colon in optimal condition with a healthy microbial flora can prevent the apparition of malignant cells. Thus, leading a healthy lifestyle is recommended to prevent colon cancer.

The course you should take with colon cancer detection in Vero Beach varies greatly and depends on your personal risk of developing colorectal cancer. Consequently, you should talk to a doctor to assess your risks and the pros and cons of each screening method.

Through collaborative testing labs and using high quality and recognized brands products and advanced technological equipment, the Institute of Health & Wellness utilizes our physicians’ expertise to research and identify the proper treatment for your affliction.

Contact the Institute of Health & Wellness for more information on colon cancer detection in Vero Beach.

Phone: 772-539-9556
Address: 218 SW Atlanta Ave, Stuart, Florida 34994