Getting a Colonoscopy Screening Could be a Life-Saving Decision

In recognition of National Colorectal Cancer Month, Gastroenterology Specialist at BSA Amarillo Diagnostic Clinic, Dr. James Lusby, encourages everyone 50 and older to be screened regularly.

Colon cancer is the third most common cancer among men and women in the United States and takes more than 50,000 lives each year. If those 50 years and older were screened regularly, as many as 60 percent of deaths from colorectal cancer could be avoided.

According to Dr. Lusby, a colonoscopy screening takes no more than 30 minutes. During the procedure, physicians are looking for colon polyps and abnormal growths that develop in the colon for a variety of reasons, usually due to genetic mutation.

“These polyps are painless and you can’t feel them on a physical exam,” Dr. Lusby explained. ” By having them removed, you can prevent them from turning into cancer.”

Results from colonoscopy screenings are fast, according to Dr. Lusby.

“It generally takes 48 hours for polyps to be analyzed, but we can usually tell the patient the results of the exam immediately following the procedure.”

To schedule your colonoscopy screening or visit with a gastroenterologist, please call the BSA Amarillo Diagnostic Clinic at (806) 358-0200.