Colon Cancer Screening

No one looks forward to a colonoscopy, but it’s an important procedure that could save your life.

Screening typically begins at age 45 for those who don’t have an elevated risk of colon cancer. If your results are normal, you likely won’t need another colonoscopy for 10 years.

Your doctor could suggest beginning screening earlier or having more frequent colonoscopies if you have certain health conditions like ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, or have a family history of colorectal cancer.

Your provider also might recommend a colonoscopy if you’ve experienced blood in your stool, frequent abdominal pain or bloating, changes in bowel habits or unintentional weight loss.

Talk to your provider about when you should begin screening.

Why Screening Matters

Colon cancer usually starts as a polyp, which is a growth on the lining of the large intestine. Most polyps are harmless. However, over time, some can become cancerous.

A colonoscopy allows physicians not only to look for these potentially troublesome growths, but also to remove them — reducing the risk of colon cancer.

Most screening colonoscopies do not detect cancer. However, if colon cancer is present, finding it early can improve treatment options and outcomes.

What to Expect

It’s OK to feel nervous ahead of your colonoscopy.

Your care team will give you specific instructions on preparing for your procedure, including foods to avoid in the days leading up to your appointment and how to complete your bowel preparation.  

Many patients find the bowel preparation more challenging than the procedure itself.

We perform colonoscopies at the George Isaac Minimally Invasive Outpatient Surgery Center, which offers spacious procedure rooms equipped with advanced endoscopic equipment.

During your colonoscopy, you’ll be sedated and closely monitored by our care team. You won’t feel any discomfort or have a memory of the procedure when you wake up.

Your care team will discuss initial findings with you before you leave the recovery area. Most patients go home the same day to rest. Cramping and bloating are common after the procedure but are usually mild and resolve quickly.

Most patients can return to normal activities the next day.

To schedule an appointment with a UToledo Health gastroenterologist, call 419.383.6105.