Colonoscopy
If you're 50 years old or older, you should get regular screenings
for colon cancer. A colonoscopy allows your doctor to examine your
entire colon and remove or biopsy abnormal growths if they're found
during the procedure.
Preventable, beatable, treatable
Colorectal cancer, or colon cancer,
is the second leading cause of death from cancer in the United States.
Getting routine colonoscopies can detect cancer early, before symptoms
develop and cancer spreads. According to the American Cancer Society,
the five-year survival rate for individuals whose colorectal cancer is
detected at an early, localized stage is 90 percent. However, only 39
percent of colorectal cancers are diagnosed at this stage.
Schedule your colonoscopy
In order to schedule a colonoscopy with St. Luke's Digestive Health Center, you may request an appointment through St. Luke's Gastroenterology or your primary care provider. The
Digestive Health Center has been designed with your comfort in mind,
right down to the warmed blankets.
Details about the procedure
The gastroenterologist uses a colonoscope to view the large intestine
and look for colon polyps. If a polyp is found, the doctor may remove
it. If anything else looks abnormal, a small piece of tissue (biopsy) is
taken out through the scope for evaluation. The procedure isn't
generally painful because patients receive IV sedation.
For more information
email us or call (319) 369-7301.