Colonoscopy
If you’ve suffered from abdominal pain, bleeding and changes in bowel habits, or are potentially at risk of developing colon cancer, your doctor will likely recommend a colonoscopy. The procedure helps identify the causes of colorectal conditions and can aid in cancer treatment and prevention.
Our primary care physicians or gastroenterologists can help determine which colorectal cancer screening is right for you. Speak with your doctor to review your options and obtain a referral to schedule your screening appointment.
Colorectal cancer occurs in the colon, rectum or both. It is the third-most-common cancer in adults in the U.S. Regular screenings can detect precancerous polyps in the colon and help identify colorectal cancer in its earliest stages when treatment is most effective.
Regardless of the type of screening you have, it’s important to follow your doctor’s recommendations afterward. Talk with your doctor about which screening test is right for you.
A colonoscopy, also known as a lower GI endoscopy, is the common diagnostic procedure that’s used to image, inspect and diagnose conditions within the lower gastrointestinal tract and digestive system.
Some of the key benefits of a colonoscopy include:
- Early detection of colorectal cancer
- Identification of digestive concerns
- Only needed about once every 10 years if no polyps are found
Similar to an upper endoscopy, a colonoscopy uses a type of endoscope – a thin and responsive tube with a tiny camera at the end – called a colonoscope. The colonoscope is inserted through your rectum and displays images of your colon through a monitor in real-time.
With a colonoscopy, your doctor can carefully evaluate sensitive conditions such as:
- Cancer
- Infection
- Inflammation
- Polyps
- Ulcers
If you have a colonoscopy and the doctor removes polyps, you'll need to return for follow-up colonoscopies on a regular schedule.
The detailed images created by the colonoscope also help provide accurate diagnoses of colon cancer and determine the next steps for cancer treatment.
A FIT screening is an alternative to a colonoscopy. Your physician gives you a take-home kit, along with detailed instructions. The test requires you to collect samples of your stool.
Some of the benefits of a FIT screening include:
- Simple, take-home test
- Detection of blood in the stool
- Use of DNA to detect cancer cells
If results come back negative, your doctor will most likely recommend that you repeat the test 1-2 times per year.
It’s important to get screened for colorectal cancer even if you don’t have symptoms. Colorectal cancer cells tend to grow slowly, and symptoms often don’t arise until the disease is more advanced.
The American Cancer Society recommends the following screening schedule:
- Age 45: Start regular screenings if you’re at average risk of colorectal cancer. Talk to your doctor about earlier screenings if you have factors that increase your risk.
- Age 45-75: Continue regular screenings.
- Age 76-85: Talk to your doctor about whether screenings should continue based on your personal preference, overall health and prior screening history.
- Age 85+: You no longer require regular colorectal cancer screenings.
Although the risk of developing colorectal cancer increases with age, the number of adults younger than 50 diagnosed with colorectal cancer goes up every year, according to the American Cancer Society.
Additional risk factors include:
- Family history of colorectal polyps or cancer
- Moderate to heavy alcohol consumption
- Obesity
- Personal history of inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
- Smoking
If you have one or more of these risk factors, talk with your doctor about when it’s best to start regular colorectal screenings.
Doctors Specializing in Colonoscopy
At Providence, you'll have access to a vast network of dedicated and compassionate providers who offer personalized care by focusing on treatment, prevention and health education.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, a referral from your primary care doctor is required before we can schedule the procedure. Once we receive the referral, we’ll call you to find a convenient day and time for your appointment.
Since a polyp can be as small as a millimeter, following your doctor’s food and drink guidelines is very important. Even supplements, such as omega-3s, can leave trace material in your colon that make visibility more difficult during your procedure.
- One week before – medication changes: Some medications for weight loss, iron, blood thinners and diabetes you may need to stop using prior to your colonoscopy. Consult with your doctor about both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medication you are taking.
- Several days before – dietary adjustments: A low-fiber diet is recommended for a few days before your procedure.
- 24 hours before – bowel preparation: To get a clear visual of any potential polyps, your digestive tract and bowels need to be cleared. Your doctor will give you a solution to drink, one course the evening before and the second course the morning of the colonoscopy. Sports drinks are great options to mix with your prep solution. Avoid all orange, purple and red liquids, these will obscure the view of your colon during the procedure.
Most importantly, follow any instructions your doctor gives you, so you don’t need to reschedule and prep all over again. If you have any questions, or are unsure and need clarification, call the clinic where your colonoscopy is scheduled.
If you have a colonoscopy scheduled, here are factors to keep in mind before your appointment:
- Follow-up care: Your doctor may want to schedule a follow-up appointment or additional screenings. If you had any biopsies, the results can take several days.
- Gas and bloating: It’s typical to experience bloating, gas or minimal cramping following a colonoscopy. These side effects will typically disappear after a few hours.
- Grogginess: You’ll be given a sedative for your procedure, so you’ll need to plan ahead. Someone must drive you to and from your appointment. The grogginess will wear off as you recover throughout the day.
- Reduced diet: Your doctor may suggest that you ease into your regular diet and start with some lighter meals following your procedure.
Cancer doesn’t always have recognizable symptoms when it’s just beginning – and that’s when it’s easiest to treat.
Colon cancer symptoms could potentially include:
- Pain when using the bathroom
- Rectal bleeding, the most common symptom
- Unintentional weight loss
- Unexplained constipation or other changes in bowel habits
Speak with your primary care provider for more information on colorectal cancer screenings. Make sure they’re aware of any family history of colorectal cancer.
And if it's time for your first (or next) colonoscopy, don't put it off. It could save your life!
Yes, symptoms for colorectal cancer may not appear until the disease is more advanced.
It’s recommended to get regular colonoscopy screenings beginning at age 45 if you’re at average risk of colorectal cancer – even if you don’t have any symptoms. Talk with your doctor about your medical and family history to determine if you have additional risk factors to consider.
Colonoscopies may have a bad reputation, but you’ll be given medication that helps you sleep and minimizes your discomfort during the procedure. Even the preparation has gotten easier as experts have refined the process over time.
In addition to colonoscopies, several screening options are available, including a take-home option known as the fecal immunochemical test (FIT).
Both screening options can detect precancerous polyps in the colon. No matter which screening option you have, it’s important to follow your doctor’s recommendations afterward:
- If you have a positive FIT test, you’ll need to follow up and get a colonoscopy.
- If you have a colonoscopy and the doctor removes polyps, you'll need to return for follow-up colonoscopies on a regular schedule.
A colonoscopy generally is a safe diagnostic procedure. Despite the unlikelihood of a complication occurring, the procedure does carry certain risks.
These risks could potentially include:
- Bleeding, should a biopsy or polyp removal occur
- Bloating
- Nausea
- Rectal irritation
With a successful colonoscopy and a clean bill of health – meaning no polyps were found during your screening – you won’t need another colonoscopy for 10 years. If your doctor does find and remove any polyps, you may need to get screened again in five years.
At Providence, you’ll find the treatment and support you need. Our skilled team members will outline your treatment options and connect you with many helpful resources.
Knowledge is power. We’re here to help you power through your cancer journey – and lift you up any way we can.
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