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ENDOSCOPY

COLON CANCER Concept on Interface Touch
Doctor shows organs the digestive system
Ben Pinner.jpg

Dr. Ben Pinner is

board-certified in family medicine and has received additional, extensive education and training in Endoscopy. 

Gastroenterology is the branch of medicine focused on the health and disorders of the digestive system. It includes diagnosing and treating diseases of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon and rectum, pancreas, gallbladder, bile ducts, and liver. Diagnosis often occurs through endoscopy procedures. 

 

Dr. Ben routinely performs endoscopies such as colonoscopies and EGDs.  Colonoscopies examine the entire colon and rectum using a fiberoptic scope to detect cancer, polyps or any other abnormality. Colonoscopies are also used to help diagnose symptoms such as unexplained diarrhea, abdominal pain or blood in the stool. An EGD is often used to diagnose and treat gastrointestinal conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or to obtain a biopsy to detect inflammation, ulcers or cancers. 

 

EGDs and Colonoscopies are performed at Sandhills Endoscopy Center in Columbia. 

Importance of Colorectal Screenings

Colorectal cancer (sometimes called colon cancer) is cancer that occurs in the colon or rectum.  Sometimes abnormal growths, called polyps, form in the colon or rectum, and over time some times polyps may turn in to cancer.  Colorectal cancer screenings can find polyps so they can be removed before turning into cancer. 

 

Polyps and early stage colon cancer often have no symptoms, making them a "silent killer." Being screened at the recommended frequency increases the likelihood that when colorectal cancer is present, it will be detected at an earlier stage, when it is more likely to be cured, treatment is less extensive and the recovery is faster. (Source: SCDHEC)

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Newest guidelines state screening should start at age 45 and continue until age 75 for most men and women.  The decision to screen for colorectal cancer in adults aged 76 to 85 years should be an individual one, taking into account the patient's overall health and prior screening history; discuss with your doctor. [Sources: American Cancer Society; U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF)]

 

There are many ways to detect colon cancer. Speak with your doctor to see which of the following screening tests would best fit you:​

 

Ready for Your Colonoscopy?

Need an EGD?

Our referrals team will handle the referral for you. Please talk with your provider at your next scheduled appointment,  or call our office today at 803-945-7475, extension 101.

Colonoscopy Prep Instructions for Colonoscopies Performed at Sandhills Endoscopy Center

Patient Registration Packet for Sandhills Endoscopy Center

Did You Know...

  • Screening helps prevent colorectal cancer by finding precancerous polyps (abnormal growths) so they can be removed before they turn into cancer.

  • Screening helps find colorectal cancer early, when treatment can be very effective.

  • Don’t wait for symptoms to be checked. Precancerous polyps and colorectal cancer don’t always cause symptoms, especially early on.

  • You need to get screened even if you have no family history. Most colorectal cancers occur in people with no family history of the disease. ​

[Source: CDC, 2023]

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