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.