February marks National Cancer Prevention Month—a reminder that many cancers aren’t inevitable. Colorectal cancer, the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States, is also one of the most preventable when caught early through routine screening. Yet despite the availability of effective screening methods, too many people delay or skip this potentially lifesaving procedure.
For residents throughout Queens, Levittown, and the greater Long Island area, understanding when screening should begin, what the process actually involves, and why early detection matters so profoundly can transform a colonoscopy from something you dread into something you prioritize.
Why Colorectal Cancer Screening Matters More Than You Think
Colorectal cancer often develops silently. Precancerous polyps—abnormal growths on the lining of the colon or rectum—typically cause no symptoms at all. Left undetected, some of these polyps can slowly transform into cancer over a period of years. By the time symptoms like rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, or persistent abdominal discomfort appear, the disease may have already progressed to a more advanced stage.
This is precisely why screening proves so valuable. A colonoscopy doesn’t just detect existing cancer—it can actually prevent cancer from developing in the first place. When gastroenterologists identify polyps during a colonoscopy, they remove them during the same procedure, eliminating the opportunity for those growths to become malignant. Studies consistently demonstrate that regular colonoscopy screening reduces colorectal cancer deaths significantly, making it one of the most effective cancer prevention tools available.
Dr. Davinder Singh, a board-certified gastroenterologist at The Gastroenterology Practice, has dedicated substantial research efforts to improving colorectal cancer screening outcomes. During his tenure as Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Mayo Clinic, Dr. Singh served as Principal Investigator for a multicenter study examining advanced endoscopy systems specifically designed to enhance colorectal cancer detection. This research background informs his clinical approach, ensuring patients receive screening informed by the latest evidence and techniques.
When Should You Start Screening?
Guidelines for colorectal cancer screening have evolved in recent years. The American Cancer Society now recommends that adults at average risk begin regular screening at age 45—a change from the previous recommendation of age 50. This shift reflects growing evidence that colorectal cancer rates have been rising among younger adults.
However, some individuals should begin screening even earlier. You may need to start before age 45 if you have:
- Family History: a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) diagnosed with colorectal cancer or advanced polyps, especially before age 60
- Personal History of Polyps: previous colonoscopies that revealed adenomatous polyps require more frequent surveillance
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease: long-standing ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease affecting the colon increases colorectal cancer risk
- Genetic Syndromes: conditions like Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) dramatically elevate risk and require specialized screening protocols
- Personal Cancer History: previous diagnosis of colorectal cancer or certain other cancers may warrant earlier or more frequent screening
During your consultation at The Gastroenterology Practice, Dr. Mit Shah or Dr. Singh will review your individual risk factors and recommend an appropriate screening schedule tailored to your specific situation. This personalized approach ensures you receive the right level of surveillance—neither too little nor more than necessary.
What Actually Happens During a Colonoscopy
Fear of the unknown keeps many people from scheduling their colonoscopy. Understanding what the procedure actually involves often alleviates much of that anxiety.
A colonoscopy is an outpatient procedure typically lasting 30 to 60 minutes. You’ll receive sedation to keep you comfortable—most patients report feeling relaxed and remember little or nothing about the procedure itself. The gastroenterologist uses a thin, flexible tube equipped with a camera (called a colonoscope) to examine the entire length of your colon and rectum, looking for polyps, inflammation, or other abnormalities.
If polyps are found, they’re typically removed during the same procedure using specialized instruments passed through the colonoscope. This polypectomy process is painless, and the removed tissue is sent to a laboratory for analysis. You’ll receive results explaining whether the polyps were benign, precancerous, or required any follow-up action.
The team at The Gastroenterology Practice performs over 1,000 colonoscopies annually, bringing the procedural expertise that comes only with high-volume experience. Both Dr. Shah and Dr. Singh completed fellowship training in gastroenterology at Nassau University Medical Center, and Dr. Singh’s additional training at the Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic included advanced therapeutic endoscopy techniques. This depth of experience translates to thorough examinations, efficient polyp removal, and optimal patient outcomes.
The Prep: Not as Bad as Its Reputation
Ask anyone who’s had a colonoscopy what they remember most, and the answer is almost always the preparation—not the procedure itself. The bowel prep, which involves taking a laxative solution to clear your colon completely, has traditionally been the most challenging aspect of the screening process.
The good news? Preparation protocols have improved considerably. Modern prep solutions are lower in volume, better tasting, and can often be split into two doses (half the evening before, half the morning of the procedure) for easier tolerance. Your gastroenterologist’s office will provide detailed instructions tailored to your specific prep protocol, along with guidance on dietary modifications in the days leading up to your colonoscopy.
While the prep requires some planning—you’ll need to stay close to a bathroom and clear your schedule—most patients find it more manageable than expected. And when you consider that a few hours of inconvenience can prevent cancer or catch it at its earliest, most treatable stage, the tradeoff becomes easier to accept.
The Gastroenterology Practice has already published a detailed colonoscopy prep survival guide on their blog, offering practical tips to make the process as smooth as possible. Don’t let prep anxiety become the reason you delay a screening that could save your life.
Understanding Your Results and Follow-Up
After your colonoscopy, you’ll receive results explaining what was found and any recommended next steps. Possible outcomes include:
- No polyps found: If your colon appears healthy with no abnormalities, you’ll typically be advised to repeat screening in 10 years (for average-risk individuals). This clean result provides significant peace of mind.
- Hyperplastic polyps: These small, benign growths pose minimal cancer risk and usually don’t change your screening interval significantly.
- Adenomatous polyps: These precancerous polyps require removal and closer follow-up. Depending on the number, size, and characteristics of the adenomas found, your gastroenterologist may recommend repeat colonoscopy in three to five years rather than ten.
Advanced adenomas or concerning findings: Larger polyps, those with certain cellular features, or any suspicion of malignancy require careful evaluation and a personalized surveillance plan.
Dr. Shah, who holds board certifications in both gastroenterology and internal medicine through the American Board of Internal Medicine, ensures patients understand their results fully and have a clear plan for ongoing digestive health. This commitment to patient education reflects the practice’s philosophy that informed patients make better healthcare decisions.
Barriers to Screening—And How to Overcome Them
Despite the proven benefits of colonoscopy screening, participation rates remain lower than they should be. Common barriers include:
- Time concerns: Between prep, the procedure, and recovery from sedation, colonoscopy does require setting aside a day. However, this single day every ten years (for average-risk patients with normal findings) represents a remarkably small investment for such significant protection.
- Cost worries: Under the Affordable Care Act, most insurance plans cover screening colonoscopies at no out-of-pocket cost for eligible individuals. The Gastroenterology Practice accepts most major insurance plans and can help verify your coverage before scheduling.
- Fear or embarrassment: These feelings are completely normal—and completely surmountable. The medical team performs these procedures daily and maintains your dignity and comfort throughout. Sedation means you won’t be aware during the examination, and recovery is typically quick.
- Procrastination: This may be the biggest barrier of all. There’s never a “convenient” time for medical procedures, but delaying screening that could catch cancer early—or prevent it entirely—carries real consequences.
Take Action This Cancer Prevention Month
February’s focus on cancer prevention provides the perfect prompt to schedule the screening you’ve been putting off. Whether you’re approaching 45 and due for your first colonoscopy, overdue for a follow-up after previous polyp findings, or have risk factors that warrant earlier evaluation, the board-certified gastroenterologists at The Gastroenterology Practice are ready to provide expert, compassionate care.
With more than 300 five-star patient reviews, the practice has built its reputation on clinical excellence combined with genuine attention to patient comfort and concerns. Dr. Mit Shah and Dr. Davinder Singh bring training from prestigious institutions, extensive procedural experience, and a commitment to staying current with the latest advances in gastroenterology—including colorectal cancer prevention research.
Two convenient locations serve Queens and Long Island: the Queens office at 222-15 Northern Boulevard, 4th Floor, and the Levittown office at 2900 Hempstead Turnpike, Suite 203. Call Queens at (718) 224-1642 or Levittown at (516) 882-4280 to schedule your consultation or colonoscopy today.
This Cancer Prevention Month, make the decision that could save your life. Your future self will thank you.
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