Almost 150,000 people each year are diagnosed with colon cancer, which is the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. Over 50,000 Americans die from colon cancer each year. Like most types of cancers, early detection and treatment are crucial for successfully surviving this deadly disease. Danny Shouhed, M.D. is a board certified general surgeon that works with patients and their medical team of doctors to provide colon cancer treatment at our clinic in Los Angeles.
The majority of people diagnosed with colon cancer are over 50, but there is a rising number of younger people who are diagnosed with this invasive disease. There is not one direct cause of colon cancer, but there are a variety of risk factors. Genetics can play a role, as well as ethnicity and age. Other risk factors include high fat/low fiber diets, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, obesity and diabetes.
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The early signs of colon cancer or pre-cancer formations are colon polyps. Colon cancer screening can be performed to detect polyps. A colonoscopy is a medical procedure in which a flexible tube with a camera is inserted into the colon to examine its inner lining for abnormalities like polyps or signs of disease. These pre-cancerous growths can be removed to prevent the development of cancer. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommend the first colonoscopy at age 45. Your gastroenterologist will recommend how often you should have a colonoscopy after the first one, based on the results and your individual risk factors.
If colon cancer is diagnosed, treatment is recommended based on the stage, size and spread of the cancer. Surgery is often recommended to remove polyps in early stages or to perform a partial colectomy, ostomy or lymph node removal in more advanced stages.
Danny Shouhed, M.D. is a highly respected GI surgeon who specializes in the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. If you have been diagnosed with colon cancer, contact our office in Los Angeles to discuss treatment options. Dr. Shouhed can work with your primary physician and other members of your medical team to ensure you receive the best treatment available.
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