At Lubbock Primary Care, our primary goal is prevention. With our preventive care focus, we help you get well and stay well. During your annual exam, our providers will assess your current health and recommend prevention screenings based on your age and risk factors, one of which being colorectal cancer.
Colorectal cancer is the second deadliest cancer in the United States, but it's also one of the few that are preventable through screenings starting at age 45 for those with average risk. Screening options include colonoscopies with a GI doctor and at-home stool screenings.
Diving into your screening options
A colonoscopy is a screening option done by your GI doctor and is considered the gold standard of colorectal cancer screening. This procedure involves a scope being inserted to examine the entire colon searching for anything abnormal. This screening option is unique because it serves as prevention as well. If your doctor detects any abnormalities or polyps (growths that can turn into cancer), they remove it during the same procedure. Screenings are typically recommended every 10 years depending on your results.
While the colonoscopy is the most effective screening method, there are other options, including at-home screenings. There are stool DNA tests, like Cologuard, that test for blood and abnormalities in the stool.
Knowing your risk
You are at average risk and should begin screenings at age 45 if:
- No symptoms
- No family history of colorectal cancer
- No personal history of cancer
- No genetic links to Lynch syndrome, FAP, or other genetic syndromes.
- No personal history of ulcerative colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, or Crohn’s disease
You are at a higher risk and may need to start screenings earlier if:
- Are having symptoms
- Have a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps
- Have genetic links to Lynch syndrome, FAP, or other genetic syndromes
- Have had cancer in the past
- Have ulcerative colitis, inflammatory bowel disease or Crohn’s disease
Preventing colorectal cancer
Colorectal cancer can be genetic and random, but there are lifestyle changes you can make to reduce your risk, including eating well, exercising regularly, avoiding alcohol and cigarettes, and knowing your family health history. Scheduling your annual exam is the first step in making sure you're on track and doing everything you can to prevent and detect disease early. All of our providers at each of our locations are accepting new patients. Give us a call to schedule your annual preventive exam today.
Lubbock Primary Care Locations
South Quaker Location: 11005 & 11007 Quaker Ave., Lubbock, TX | 806-701-4040
Southwest Milwaukee Location: 10709 Milwaukee Ave., Lubbock, TX | 806-207-3703
Central University Location: 5015 University Ave. Unit B1, Lubbock, TX | 806-797-4357
North Location: 1120 West Loop 289, Lubbock, TX 79416 | 806-337-0364
Midland Location: 1300 W Wall St., Midland, TX | 432-684-4488
Abilene Location: 6743 Memorial Dr., Abilene, TX | 325-231-4667
