Digestive Health

/ Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy

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Stay ahead of colon cancer

Screenings save lives. A colonoscopy is the most accurate and effective method for detecting and preventing colon-related issues like colorectal cancer. With regular screenings, you can stop cancer before it starts, or catch it in the early stages when it’s easiest to treat.

Who needs a colon cancer screening?

If you have an average risk of colorectal cancer, your first cancer screening should be at the age of 45. This could be through a colonoscopy, a CT colonography, or an at-home stool kit like Cologuard®. Talk to your doctor to see what option is right for you.

How often you need to be screened depends on your risk factors and results from previous screenings (if you’ve had them already). You should get regular screenings, even if you don’t have any symptoms.

People at higher risk may need earlier or more frequent screenings. Talk with your doctor if you have certain additional risk factors for colorectal cancer, such as:

  • Heavy smoking or drinking
  • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Lynch syndrome, also known as Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colorectal Cancer (HNPCC)
  • Obesity
  • Personal or family history of polyps or colorectal cancer
  • Sedentary lifestyle
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Requesting a Referral is the First Step

Use MyChart to ask your primary care doctor for a referral to a specialist.

Icon of a calendar page with a checkmark on it
Requesting a Referral is the First Step

Use MyChart to ask your primary care doctor for a referral to a specialist.

Icon of a calendar page with a checkmark on it
Requesting a Referral is the First Step

Use MyChart to ask your primary care doctor for a referral to a specialist.

Icon of a calendar page with a checkmark on it
Requesting a Referral is the First Step

Use MyChart to ask your primary care doctor for a referral to a specialist.

What to expect during a colonoscopy

Your doctor will examine the inside of your large intestine (colon) and rectum using a colonoscope, which is a long, flexible tube with a video camera at the end. If any abnormal growths or polyps are found, they can usually be removed using the colonoscope. Those samples are then tested for early signs of cancer.

Related services

Colorectal Surgery

There are surgical options for many conditions, including cancer, Crohn’s disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and diverticulitis.

Colorectal Surgery

There are surgical options for many conditions, including cancer, Crohn’s disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and diverticulitis.

Colorectal Surgery

There are surgical options for many conditions, including cancer, Crohn’s disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and diverticulitis.

Colorectal Surgery

There are surgical options for many conditions, including cancer, Crohn’s disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and diverticulitis.

Get a referral to schedule a colonoscopy

Contact your primary care doctor to get a referral.

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