Treatment in Hillsborough, Somerville & Warren, NJ
Protect Your Health with Expert Colorectal Cancer Screening
Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable—and most treatable—forms of cancer when detected early. That’s why timely screening is essential for protecting your long-term health. At Digestive Healthcare Center, we offer convenient, high-quality colorectal cancer screenings close to home, with locations in Hillsborough, Somerville, and Warren, NJ. If you’re due for a screening or unsure when to begin, now is the time to take action. Schedule your colon cancer screening in Somerset County today.
What Is Colorectal Cancer?
Colorectal cancer refers to cancers that develop in the colon (large intestine) or the rectum (the last section of the colon). These cancers are often grouped together because they share many of the same risk factors, symptoms, and screening methods. According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer remains the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths among both men and women in the United States.
Despite these statistics, the outlook for colorectal cancer continues to improve. Over the past several decades, death rates have steadily declined—thanks largely to increased awareness, more effective screening, and advances in treatment. While colorectal cancer is more common in older adults, it can develop at any age, making proper screening essential for everyone.
How Colorectal Cancer Develops
Most colorectal cancers begin as benign polyps, which are small growths found on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. While not all polyps become cancerous, some can turn into cancer over time. The good news: when polyps are detected and removed early, colon cancer can often be completely prevented.
This is why routine screening is so important. Identifying and removing polyps before they become cancerous dramatically reduces your risk and allows your care team to create a personalized monitoring plan for your long-term digestive health.
Why Early Screening Matters
Early screening is the most powerful tool for preventing colorectal cancer. Because polyps can develop silently—often without any symptoms—regular screenings allow doctors to detect and remove them before they become cancerous. Screening guidelines vary based on your age, medical history, and family history, but starting early and staying consistent greatly reduces your risk.
At Digestive Healthcare Center, we make preventive care accessible with comprehensive screening options, including colonoscopy in NJ, performed by experienced gastroenterologists. We also accept most major insurance plans and can assist patients with understanding coverage or financial aid options to ensure cost is never a barrier to essential care.
Don’t delay a screening that could save your life. Schedule your colorectal cancer screening in Somerset County today and take an important step toward long-term health and peace of mind.
What Are the Risk Factors for Colorectal Cancer?
A variety of factors can increase a person’s likelihood of developing colorectal cancer. Some can be managed through lifestyle changes, while others are outside of your control. Key risk factors include:
- Personal history of colorectal cancer or polyps: Previous cancers or polyps raise the risk of future colorectal cancer.
- Sedentary lifestyle: Low physical activity is linked to higher risk.
- Age: Most cases occur in adults 50 and older, though it can occur in younger individuals.
- Heavy alcohol use: Excessive drinking may increase risk.
- Diabetes and insulin resistance: Both are associated with a higher likelihood of colorectal cancer.
- Diet: Eating a low-fiber, high-fat diet may contribute to risk.
- Family history: Having a parent, sibling, or child with colorectal cancer raises personal risk—especially if multiple family members are affected.
- Genetic syndromes: Conditions such as familial adenomatous polyposis and Lynch syndrome significantly increase risk.
- Inflammatory bowel disease: Chronic conditions like ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease elevate risk.
- Obesity: Increases both the risk of developing colorectal cancer and the risk of dying from it.
- Race: African Americans have a higher incidence of colorectal cancer.
- Previous abdominal radiation: Radiation treatment for other cancers can increase risk later in life.
What Are the Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer?
Colorectal cancer can cause a variety of symptoms—but in its early stages, it often causes none at all. As the cancer grows, symptoms may vary based on its size and location in the colon or rectum. It’s also important to note that these symptoms can overlap with many other digestive conditions, which is why it’s essential to consult a gastroenterologist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate care.
Common symptoms of colorectal cancer may include:
- Persistent changes in bowel habits, such as ongoing diarrhea, constipation, or a change in stool consistency
- Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool
- Ongoing abdominal discomfort, including cramping, gas, or pain
- Fatigue or decreased energy levels
- Unintentional weight loss
- Unexplained anemia (low red blood cell count), which may be detected on routine bloodwork
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, even if they seem mild or intermittent, seeking timely medical evaluation is crucial. Early detection can significantly improve treatment outcomes.
How Is Colorectal Cancer Diagnosed in NJ?
The goal of colon cancer screening is to find and remove polyps before they have a chance to turn into cancer. For people at average risk, the American Cancer Society recommends beginning routine screening at age 45. Your doctor may recommend starting earlier if you have additional risk factors, such as a family history of colorectal cancer or certain digestive conditions.
The primary tool for diagnosing colorectal cancer is a colonoscopy. During this procedure, your gastroenterologist can:
- Carefully examine the colon and rectum
- Remove polyps before they become cancerous
- Take biopsies of any suspicious areas or lesions
These tissue samples are then analyzed in a laboratory to determine whether cancer or precancerous changes are present.
Blood tests cannot diagnose colorectal cancer, but they may be ordered to give your doctor helpful information about your overall health—such as checking for anemia or evaluating organ function—as part of a comprehensive evaluation.
If you’re due for screening or have symptoms of concern, scheduling a colonoscopy in Central Jersey is one of the most effective steps you can take to protect your digestive health and catch potential issues early.
How Is Colorectal Cancer Treated in NJ?
Colorectal cancer treatment depends on several factors, including the stage of the cancer, its location, and your overall health. Your care team will work with you to determine the most effective, personalized treatment plan.
Common treatment options include:
- Surgery: Surgical removal of cancerous tissue is often the primary treatment. For early-stage cancers, minimally invasive techniques may be used to remove polyps or small tumors. More advanced cancers may require more extensive surgery. If surgery is recommended, your NJ gastroenterologist can connect you with trusted colorectal surgeons.
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is frequently used after surgery—especially if the cancer has spread to lymph nodes or other parts of the body—to reduce the risk of recurrence or treat metastatic disease.
- Radiation Therapy: Radiation may be used alongside chemotherapy, particularly for rectal cancer, or to help relieve symptoms in more advanced cases.
Your team at Digestive Healthcare Center will guide you through each step of the diagnostic and treatment process, ensuring you understand your options and receive coordinated, compassionate care close to home in New Jersey.
Colorectal Cancer Screening in New Jersey
Early detection saves lives—and colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable cancers when polyps are found and removed in time. At Digestive Healthcare Center, we offer a full range of screening options so every patient can choose the method that best suits their needs.
Colonoscopy: The Gold Standard
A colonoscopy is the most accurate and comprehensive screening test for colorectal cancer. Using a thin, flexible scope, your doctor examines the rectum and entire colon, removing or sampling polyps during the same procedure.
The American Cancer Society recommends starting routine screening at age 45 and repeating every 10 years unless your doctor advises otherwise. Colonoscopy is also required when other screening tests show abnormal results.
Non-Invasive Screening Options
- The Shield™ Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer Screening is a newer, noninvasive option for colorectal cancer screening designed for adults at average risk who prefer an alternative to stool-based tests or colonoscopy. This simple blood draw detects circulating tumor DNA—small fragments of genetic material that colorectal cancer or advanced polyps can shed into the bloodstream.
- While it does not replace colonoscopy as the gold standard, Shield™ can help identify patients who may need further evaluation and offers a convenient option for those who are hesitant about traditional screening tests. At Digestive Healthcare Center, our team can help you determine whether the Shield™ test is an appropriate part of your screening plan and ensure you receive the follow-up care you need based on your results.
- Cologuard® (Stool DNA Test): Cologuard is an at-home test that analyzes stool for DNA changes and hidden blood. It requires no prep and is ideal for average-risk patients who prefer a non-invasive option. However, Cologuard can miss precancerous polyps and has a higher rate of false positives. A positive Cologuard result still requires a follow-up colonoscopy.
- CT Colonography (Virtual Colonoscopy): This imaging test uses a CT scanner to produce detailed images of the colon. It can detect polyps early, but cannot remove them, so any abnormal finding must be followed by a colonoscopy.
- Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: A sigmoidoscopy examines only the rectum and lower third of the colon. While less invasive, it may miss up to 40% of colorectal cancers, making it less effective than a full colonoscopy.
- Stool Blood Tests (gFOBT): Guaiac-based fecal occult blood tests check for hidden blood in the stool. They are simple and non-invasive but, like other stool tests, require a colonoscopy if results are abnormal.
Colorectal Cancer Screening at Digestive Healthcare Center
At DHC, we are committed to helping patients prevent colorectal cancer through education, early detection, and expert care. Our board-certified gastroenterologists perform advanced screening and diagnostic procedures at our convenient locations in Hillsborough, Somerville, and Warren, NJ, with telemedicine visits available for added flexibility.
To learn which screening option is best for you or to start routine colorectal cancer screening, contact us today to schedule your appointment in New Jersey.