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Colon Cancer Prevention Center - Council Bluffs, IA

Council Bluffs Gastroenterologist Doctors for Colon Cancer Prevention

Type of Physician: Gastroenterologist

What is a Gastroenterologist?

A subspecialty certification by the Board of Internal Medicine; practitioners focus on the stomach, intestines, colon, liver, and gallbladder (digestive organs). The gastroenterologist treats conditions such as abdominal pain, ulcers, diarrhea, cancer, and jaundice and they consult with surgeons when abdominal operations are indicated.

Specialty: Gastroenterology

Common Name: GI Doctor

Gastroenterologist Doctors in Council Bluffs *

Gastroenterology Consultants
Vedhagiri Selvakumar
801 Harmony St
STE STE 201
Council Bluffs, IA 51503
(712) 323-1230

Gary D Volentine MD
Gary D Volentine
801 Harmony St
STE 404
Council Bluffs, IA 51503
(712) 322-2332

Michael V Persaud MD
Michael V Persaud
2921 Golden Drive
Sioux City, IA 51105
(712) 255-1414

James L Hartje MD
James Hartje
2730 Pierce St
RM 403
Sioux City, IA 51104
(712) 255-5835

K L Preston DO
K L Preston
2918 Hamilton Blvd
STE D
Sioux City, IA 51104
(712) 277-2717

J W Roat MD
J W Roat
2910 Hamilton Blvd
Sioux City, IA 51104
(712) 252-1322

Council Bluffs, Iowa

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Colon Cancer Prevention

Introduction to colon cancer prevention

Cancer of the colon and the rectum (also known as colon cancer or colo-rectal cancer) is a malignant growth arising from the inner lining of the colon or rectum. Colo-rectal cancer is a major cause of cancer-related deaths among men and women in the United States.

The good news is that colo-rectal cancer is both curable and preventable if it is detected early and completely removed before the cancerous cells metastasize (spread) to other parts of the body. Colo-rectal cancer can be prevented by removing colo-rectal polyps before they grow and change into cancers, or by using natural substances or man-made chemicals to prevent the colo-rectal polyps from changing into cancer. (Using natural substances or chemicals to prevent cancer is called chemo-prevention).

Measures to prevent diseases usually fall into one of five categories of safety and effectiveness. These categories are:
  1. Measures that have scientifically-proven effectiveness and long-term safety
  2. Measures that probably are effective but may have long-term, adverse side effects
  3. Measures that probably are effective, and safe
  4. Measures that have been found to be ineffective
  5. Measures that have no scientific basis and no studies to measure effectiveness and safety

What measures to prevent colo-rectal cancer have proven effectiveness and long term safety?

Colonoscopy and flexible sigmoidoscopy (along with digital rectal examination and stool occult blood testing) are the primary and most important tools for both preventing colo-rectal cancers and detecting early colo-rectal cancers.

Most colo-rectal cancers arise from colo-rectal polyps (small growths on the inner lining of the colon and the rectum). Even though colo-rectal polyps are initially benign, they can grow and change into c...

Recommended Reading Related to Colon Cancer Prevention

Colon Polyps »

What is a colon polyp?

Colon polyps are fleshy growths that occur on the inside (the lining) of the large intestine, also known as the colon. Polyps in the colon are extremely common, and their incidence increases as individuals get older. It is estimated that 50% of the people over the age of 60 will harbor at least one polyp. The significance of polyps is that we know that when certain types of polyps grow large enough, they can become cancerous, and, moreover, colon cancer is the second leading cause of death from cancer in the United Sates. Therefore, screening for colon polyps and removing them before they become cancerous should markedly reduce the incidence of colon cancer.

What types of polyps become cancerous?

The polyps that become cancerous are called adenomatous polyps or adenomas. Adenomas account for approximately 75% of all colon polyps. There are several subtypes of adenoma that differ prima...

Emergency Contact for Council Bluffs

  • In case of Emergency, call 911

Nearby Council Bluffs Hospitals *

Alegent Health Mercy Hospital Council Bluffs
800 Mercy Dr
Council Bluffs, IA 51503
(712)328-5000

Jennie Edmundson Hospital
933 E Pierce St
Council Bluffs, IA 51503
(712)396-6000

Boys Town National Research Hospital
555 N 30th St
Omaha, NE 68131
(402)498-6511

Creighton University Medical Center
601 N 30th St
Omaha, NE 68131
(402)449-4000

Douglas County Healthcare Center
4102 Woolworth Ave
Omaha, NE 68105
(402)444-7000

The Nebraska Medical Center Clarkson Tower
4350 Dewey Ave
Omaha, NE 68198
(402)559-4000

The Nebraska Medical Center University Tower
4400 Emile St
Omaha, NE 68198
(402)559-4000

VA Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System Omaha Division
4101 Woolworth Ave
Omaha, NE 68105
(402)346-8800

Alegent Health Bergan Mercy Medical Center
7500 Mercy Rd
Omaha, NE 68124
(402)398-6060

Children's Hospital
8200 Dodge St
Omaha, NE 68114
(402)955-5400

Nebraska Methodist Hospital
8303 Dodge St
Omaha, NE 68114
(402)354-4000

Alegent Health Immanuel Medical Center
6901 N 72nd St
Omaha, NE 68122
(402)572-2121

Alegent Health Midlands Community Hospital
11111 S 84th St
Papillion, NE 68046
(402)593-3000

Select Specialty Hospital Omaha South
11111 S 84th St
Papillion, NE 68046
(402)898-2700

Nebraska Orthopaedic Hospital
2808 S 143rd Plz
Omaha, NE 68144
(402)637-0600

Alegent Health Lakeside Hospital
16901 Lakeside Hills Ct
Omaha, NE 68130
(402)717-8000

Alegent Health Community Memorial Hospital
631 N 8th St
Missouri Valley, IA 51555
(712)642-2784

Memorial Community Hospital
810 N 22nd St
Blair, NE 68008
(402)426-2182

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