Colonoscopies: A General Surgeon Weighs In on this Lifesaving Cancer Screening
It’s 2 a.m., and Shore Physicians Group General Surgeon Dr. John Millili rushes to the OR to treat a patient who came to Shore Medical Center with a sudden bowel obstruction caused by an undiagnosed colorectal tumor. These are the cases that upset Dr. Millili the most – the ones that could have been prevented with a routine screening.
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, a reminder that one of the most preventable cancers still affects far too many people.
“Unfortunately, too often I meet patients who haven’t kept up with their colorectal cancer screenings and are now facing serious complications,” says Dr. Millili. “They may arrive with a bowel obstruction from a tumor and need urgent, life-saving surgery, or we find the cancer has already spread. In many cases, these situations could have been prevented with routine screening.”
Why Screening Matters
Colorectal cancer usually begins as small growths in the colon called polyps. A colonoscopy allows doctors to detect and remove these polyps before they turn into cancer.
“Colonoscopy is unique because it doesn’t just detect cancer—it can actually prevent it,” Dr. Millili explains. “Removing precancerous polyps stops the disease before it starts.”
At-Home Tests Are Not Enough
Tests like Cologuard or newer blood-based screenings can sometimes detect cancer early, but they cannot remove polyps.
“Even if an at-home test is positive, a colonoscopy is still needed to identify and remove any growths,” Dr. Millili says. “Colonoscopies are the gold standard and I always recommend them over anything else.”
Who Should Get Screened?
Most adults should begin colorectal cancer screening at age 45, or earlier if they have risk factors such as a family history of colorectal cancer or certain gastrointestinal conditions like ulcerative colitis.
“Patients are often surprised by how straightforward the procedure is,” Dr. Millili notes. “The peace of mind it provides is invaluable.”
How to Get Started
- Talk to your primary care provider (PCP). Your PCP will review your health history, assess your risk factors, and provide a referral for a colonoscopy if needed.
- Schedule a gastroenterology (GI) consultation. Depending on your insurance, you may be able to book directly with a gastroenterologist. During this visit, the doctor will evaluate your needs and schedule your screening.
- Prepare for and complete your colonoscopy. Colonoscopies are outpatient procedures, usually quick and done under sedation. During the exam, doctors can detect and remove polyps, helping prevent colorectal cancer before it develops.
Screening doesn’t just detect cancer early—it prevents cancer from developing in the first place.
If you’re due for a screening, talk with your primary care provider and find a gastroenterologist at Shore Medical Center here.
