It is a great time to determine whether you are in need of colorectal cancer screening.  Colon and rectal cancer make up the third leading cause of cancer in both men and women.  About 1 in 21 men and 1 in 23 women have a lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer.  Did you know that in Nebraska only 62% of people over the age of 50 get screened for colorectal cancer?  That is one of the lower rates in the country! We, at Surgical Associates, PC, want to partner with you to help decrease the rates of colon and rectal cancer.

Screening for colon and rectal cancer is very important because most people who are diagnosed with cancer have no symptoms at all!  Colorectal cancer is known as the “silent killer” because once you have symptoms, most of the time, it is a more advanced disease.  We have noticed a decreasing number in cancer rates in those patients who follow colonoscopy screening recommendations. Colon and rectal cancer can be PREVENTED with appropriate screening.  Colorectal cancer usually starts from precancerous polyps in the colon or rectum.  A polyp is a growth that shouldn’t be there.  Over time, some polyps can turn into cancer.  Screening tests can find precancerous polyps so they can be removed before they turn into cancer.  Screening tests also can find colorectal cancer early, when treatment works best.

Screening has more options now and it is important to work with your primary care provider to find the option that works best for you.  It is also important to remember that if you have a positive screen, DO NOT ignore it.  Go the next step and follow it up with diagnostic testing.  At Surgical Associates, PC, we are here and available to assist you with the next step you need after a positive screening test.  We have short wait times to get into see a provider and easy to schedule procedures so you can get the answers you need.

Options for screening include: Remember some screening times change due to risk factors and family history

Colonoscopy Examines entire colon
Can biopsy and remove polyps
Can diagnose other diseases
Required for abnormal results from all other tests
  10 years
Computed tomographic colonography (CTC) Examines entire colon
Fairly quick
Few complications
No sedation needed
Noninvasive
  5 years
Double-contrast barium enema Can usually view entire colon
Few complications
No sedation needed
 5 years
Flexible sigmoidoscopy Fairly quick
Few complications
Minimal bowel preparation
Does not require sedation
 5 years
 
Stool Tests

(These tests are less sensitive. Single-sample FOBT done in a doctor’s office/toilet bowl tests are not recommended.)

Fecal immunochemical test (FIT) No bowel cleansing or sedation
Performed at home
Low cost
Noninvasive
 Annual
High-sensitivity guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (gFOBT) No bowel cleansing
Performed at home
Low cost
Noninvasive
 Annual
FIT-DNA test (Cologuard®) No bowel cleansing
Can be performed at home
Requires only a single stool sample
Noninvasive
 3 years, per manufacturer’s recommendation
*Complexity involves patient preparation, inconvenience, facilities and equipment needed, and patient discomfort.
Lincoln and Omaha Surgical Associates Surgical Associates in Lincoln and Omaha Building

We've Moved!

We are in our new space!
Located less than 1/2 mile from our previous location, our new office is at:

TAYLOR MEADOWS OFFICE PARK, 1001 S. 70TH, STE 100

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