More About Colonoscopy
Colon cancer is the third most common cancer in America, with over 100,000 new cases diagnosed every year. It is the second leading cancer killer in the United States after lung cancer.
Colorectal Cancer is One of the Most Preventable Cancers
Over 33% of colorectal cancer deaths could be avoided if people over 50 had regular screenings. The risk of developing colorectal cancer increases with age.
Most colorectal cancers begin as polyp, which are growths on the inner wall of the colon or rectum. Some types of polyps are cancerous or could become cancer. Someone could have polyps or colorectal cancer and not know it, because there may not be symptoms, especially at first.
Anyone 45 or Older Should Have a Colonoscopy
Like most cancers, early detection is the best defense and can improve outcomes dramatically. That’s why the American Cancer Society recommends regular colonoscopies for all men and women, age 45 and older, whether or not you have any symptoms. Colon screenings are designed to detect polyps and colon cancer in its earliest stages, when it’s most treatable.
Colorectal Screening is an Outpatient Procedure
Colon screening or Colonoscopy is an examination of the entire length of the colon using a small camera attached to a flexible tube. Polyps usually can be removed during colonoscopy and tested.
Colon Screening is Offered at All CHI Health Campuses
At CHI Health, our state-of-the-art screening technology and diagnostic methods provide highly accurate results. Colon screenings are performed at all CHI Health hospitals.
Includes content from the National Institutes of Health and Medicare.gov