This Cancer Is Common, and Presents Few Symptoms

March 16, 2021

Colorectal cancer is the third-most commonly diagnosed cancer in men and women. It is called a “silent” form of cancer because there are often few if any symptoms. The good news is that Palmdale Regional offers screenings that can detect it earlier and even save your life.

Marjun Philip Duldulao, MD

Marjun Philip Duldulao, MD, Assistant Professor of Clinical Surgery at Keck Medicine USC, is a board-certified colorectal surgeon. “The more appropriate times you get screened for colorectal cancer, the more times you are potentially preventing colorectal cancers,” he explains.

Screening Guidelines to Know

According to the American Cancer Society®, men and women at average risk should begin colorectal screening at age 45.

If you are at higher risk of developing colorectal cancer, your doctor may recommend that you begin screening before age 45. Those at high risk have:

  • A personal history of colorectal cancer or certain types of polyps
  • A family history of colorectal cancer
  • A personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease)
  • A confirmed or suspected hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome
  • A personal history of radiation to the abdomen or pelvic area to treat a prior cancer

“It really does depend on the judgment and conversations you have with your primary care physician or GI specialist to determine what test is appropriate for you,” Dr. Duldulao says.

Colorectal Screening at Palmdale Regional

Palmdale Regional offers the following colorectal screening methods:

  • Colonoscopy
  • Radiologic testing
  • Sigmoidoscopy

“Colonoscopy is the gold standard in that it can detect and also treat, while the other tests are just to detect and they have a variable rate of detection,” Dr. Duldulao explains. “Generally, the best screening is to get a colonoscopy first and use the other tests to check up afterwards.”

You can rest assured that Palmdale Regional is taking extra measures to help keep you safe when you visit us in person. Don’t put your healthcare on hold! Keeping up with preventive services like a colorectal cancer screening could save your life.

To get your screening at Palmdale Regional, you must have an order from your primary care provider (PCP) or another physician. Remember that Medicare Part B covers colorectal cancer screenings for those over age 50.

SOURCE: American Cancer Society®