For all you cherish, a screening colonoscopy matters
Don't let colon cancer get a head start
To help set your mind at ease, our team of gastroenterology specialists is with you every step of the way to make you as comfortable as possible. Because what matters to you, matters to us.
Reasons to get a screening colonoscopy
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Screen for colorectal cancer
If you’re 45 or older and have no high-risk factors for colorectal cancer, we recommend a colonoscopy every 10 years to screen for cancer.
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Monitor for new polyps
We might recommend a follow-up colonoscopy to look for and remove additional polyps if you’ve been diagnosed with them in the past.
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Detect intestinal conditions
Explore possible causes of abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, chronic constipation or diarrhea and other intestinal discomforts.
What to expect
Before your colonoscopy, you will be asked to follow a clear liquid diet and drink a preparation to empty your colon 24 hours before your colonoscopy. This ensures our specialists can get a clear view during your exam.
During your exam, a long, flexible tube is inserted into the rectum. A camera at the tip of the tube allows our specialists to view the inside of the entire colon to check for polyps.
What if something is detected?
If we detect a suspicious polyp during a colonoscopy, we remove it. For larger polyps or ones that extend beyond surface layers of tissue, we might take a sample (biopsy). Our gastrointestinal pathologists will perform a biopsy to determine whether it’s cancer and, if so, the severity.
Treatment options will vary based on your results; however, Nuvance Health is here for you.
Colorectal Cancer Care at Nuvance Health Cancer Institute
If a colon cancer diagnosis is confirmed, the team of colon cancer specialists, including, colorectal surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists and other doctors, will work together to tailor your care and treatment plan.
Our cancer nurse navigators are here for you through every step of your care experience. They reach out to you early on to answer questions and provide emotional support. Nurse navigators also help coordinate appointments and explain what to expect so that you can focus on healing.