Colonoscopy Screenings
The most common symptoms of colon and rectal cancer are often no symptoms at all — at least not in the early stages — making regular colonoscopy screenings extremely important. A colonoscopy is the best way to detect masses, polyps and colon cancer early. It can even prevent colon cancer by enabling doctors to remove polyps before they become cancerous.
While colon cancer remains one of the deadliest forms of cancer, it’s also one of the most treatable when detected early with a colonoscopy.
Beaufort Memorial offers state-of-the-art screening technology, highly trained staff and a commitment to prevention and early detection of colon cancer. Although the idea of a colonoscopy can feel intimidating or even embarrassing, it’s good to remember that colonoscopies save lives. Our physicians, nurses and support staff take great care to ensure that you’re comfortable throughout your procedure.
For help finding a gastroenterologist, search our online provider directory anytime.
Questions About Having a Screening Colonoscopy
To help you prepare for your colonoscopy, below are answers to frequently asked questions about this lifesaving procedure.
A colonoscopy is a common outpatient procedure that allows a physician to see the inner lining of the large intestine. During a colonoscopy, a thin, flexible tube with a tiny light and video camera on the end is inserted into your rectum and colon. While performing the procedure, doctors can remove any suspicious areas or growths, such as polyps, for biopsy.
Colonoscopy is an easy way to protect yourself from cancer. Colon cancer is one of the deadliest cancers because it often goes undetected until it is too late. A colonoscopy is the most effective way to find colon cancer early, and when found early, it is very treatable. If you’re 50 years of age or older, you should begin getting checked for colon cancer. In addition to screening for cancer, a colonoscopy can be used to help determine the cause of abdominal pain, rectal bleeding or chronic diarrhea.
The American Cancer Society now recommends that the average-risk patient, which means a person with no family history or personal history of polyps, should have the first colonoscopy at the age of 45. If you do have a family history, colonoscopies usually will start at the age of 40. But it is best to consult with your physician about when you should start.
For most, their primary care physician will provide a referral and assist with scheduling. If you don’t have a primary care provider, you can search our online provider directory anytime.
A colonoscopy usually takes about 20 minutes. Because of the anesthesia used during the procedure, it is several hours before most people can resume normal activities.
Colonoscopies usually involve some level of sedation and pain reliever to make you completely comfortable during the procedure.
It is important to have transportation ready before, during, and after your procedure. You’ll need to have someone drive you to the hospital or outpatient surgery center, wait for you there, and drive you home after your colonoscopy because of the anesthesia used during the procedure.
To prepare for a colonoscopy, the bowel must be completely emptied. The day before your procedure will require a liquid diet and laxative to clean out your bowels. There are a variety of preparation methods available. Your physician office will provide you with detailed instructions on how to prepare. We offer some additional tips in this Living Well article.
Adequate preparation will help ensure no fecal matter is left that could conceal lesions or polyps.
You’ll have a brief consultation with your doctor after the procedure. Your doctor’s office will contact you with any biopsy results when they’re available and you’ll make a follow-up appointment if needed.
In most cases, your doctor will be able to take biopsies or samples at the time of colonoscopy. If something is found that cannot be resolved at the time of colonoscopy, such as a large polyp or colon cancer, your doctor will discuss the next steps with you and answer in detail any questions you may have.