Colorectal Cancer Screening
Early Detection, Prevention, and Support Every Step of the Way
Colorectal cancer begins in the colon or rectum and often starts as a polyp, a small growth that can turn into cancer over time. Regular screening helps find these polyps when they’re still small — and removes them before cancer develops. Screening also can detect cancer early, when treatment works best.
At Community Care, we help you understand your risk, guide you through choosing the right screening option, and support you with coordinated care if follow-up or treatment is needed.
Understanding Your Risk
While age and family history are the strongest risk factors for colorectal cancer, other factors may increase risk, including:
- Excessive alcohol use
- Obesity
- Physical inactivity
- Cigarette smoking
- Certain dietary patterns
Knowing your personal risk helps determine when to start screening and which option is best for you.
Screening Recommendations
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force strongly recommends colorectal cancer screening for both men and women. Screening looks for early changes in the colon or rectum that may lead to cancer — often before symptoms appear. Screening options may include laboratory tests or endoscopic procedures, depending on your risk level and medical history.
Why Screening Matters
Colorectal cancer screening reduces the risk of developing cancer and improves outcomes when cancer is found early. Your Community Care team will help you choose the right screening approach and ensure seamless follow-up if additional care is needed.
Colorectal Screening Options
Stool-Based Testing
Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT): A lab test that checks stool for hidden blood, which can be an early sign of polyps or cancer.
Endoscopic Screening
Endoscopy allows your provider to examine the gastrointestinal (GI) tract using a thin, flexible tube with a camera and light, displayed on a video screen.
Lower GI Endoscopy
Performed by a Community Care specialist, this screening evaluates the colon and rectum:
- Colonoscopy: Examines the entire colon and rectum
- Sigmoidoscopy: Examines the rectum and lower portion of the colon
During these procedures, polyps can be removed and tissue samples (biopsies) taken if needed.
Upper GI Endoscopy
An upper endoscopy allows your surgeon to examine the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. While not a routine colorectal screening test, it may be used when symptoms or findings suggest disease in the upper GI tract.
These screening tests can reduce the chance of developing colorectal cancer and, if colorectal cancer is found, the disease can usually be cured if caught early on.
Screening Locations
When your primary care provider refers you for a colonoscopy or endoscopy, you’ll be seen by one of our specialists here at CCP. Community Care Physicians’ general surgeons and gastroenterologists perform certain outpatient, minimally invasive procedures, including colonoscopies and endoscopies at our Interventional and Endoscopy Suite in Latham, NY. Precancerous polyps which can be removed during the test and may find cancer early when it is most treatable.
You can obtain the materials for the High-sensitivity fecal occult blood tests (FOBT) from your Community Care Physicians’ primary care office.
Diagnosis & Treatment
If something suspicious is found during your colorectal screening exam, your doctor will recommend additional testing verify there is disease present. Further testing may include
- Blood tests
- Biopsy
- Imaging tests, including ultrasound, or sonography, CT or CAT scan, MRI, and PET scan
Imaging tests or surgical procedures may be done for a number of reasons, including to help find out whether a suspicious area might be cancerous, to learn how far cancer may have spread, and to help determine if treatment is working. Our specialists are here to answer all of your questions and explain each step and result to you. We can also help connect you with support services if desired.
After your colorectal cancer has been diagnosed and staged, your healthcare team will recommend treatment. Community Care offers advanced colorectal cancer care, including:
- Surgery to remove tumors or affected bowel segments
- Chemotherapy in dedicated oncology suites
- Radiation oncology with dynamic targeting technology
- Multidisciplinary care planning tailored to your needs
Our surgeons, oncologists, and support teams work together to create a personalized care plan that fits your health goals and lifestyle.
Interventional and Endoscopy Suite
The Interventional and Endoscopy Suite in Latham, NY is located at Wellness Way, a state-of-the-art multispecialty health park designed with patient comfort in mind. Dedicated pre- and post-procedure areas support a smooth, comfortable recovery. Procedures are performed in an office-based setting, meaning patients are responsible only for an office copayment—not a hospital-based copayment. Care is provided by trusted, board-certified physicians, with the added benefits of faster scheduling, prompt results, and the privacy of a non-hospital environment. High-quality care, without the hospital hassle.
Community Care’s Interventional and Endoscopy Suite is a QUADA recognized (Global accreditation authority) facility conveniently located at Wellness Way in Latham, NY. Our office is conveniently located at Wellness Way in Latham, NY, which is convenient and easy to get to for anyone in the Capital Region. Our location offers numerous advantages, including ample, free parking and dozens of on-site medical subspecialties, including urgent care for after-hour care, lab, medical imaging, physical therapy, and more. Ask your CCP surgeon if you would benefit from having your procedure at our Interventional and Endoscopy Suite.