A colonoscopy can assist in early detection of diseases. Please call 402.269.7537 for answers to your questions or to schedule a consultation for a colonoscopy.
Who Should Get a Colonoscopy?
Most screening guidelines recommend that people at average-risk for colon and colorectal cancer should have their first colonoscopy at the age of 50. However, in certain circumstances, this screening should be done sooner. If you are African American, this test should be done at the age of 45. Or, if there is a history of this type of cancer in your family or you’ve had digestive problems previously, you should have the screening sooner.
The main thing to note about these screening guidelines is different national organizations have different recommendations when it comes to what age this screening should be done. For example, the American Cancer Society recommends average-risk people get the screening at the age of 45.
If you have questions about what age to begin scheduling your colonoscopy, please reach out to your primary health care provider.
Colon Cancer is Preventable
The primary service we provide related to digestive health at Syracuse Area Health is colon and colorectal cancer screening. Colorectal cancer in the United States is the second leading cause of cancer death in men and women combined according to FightColorectalCancer.org. But there is good news, this type of cancer has a 90% survival rate when it’s found and treated early.
According to the U.S. Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer (MSTF), a colonoscopy is the top recommended screening option for healthcare providers to offer when screening for colon and colorectal cancer. A colonoscopy is a screening test for colorectal cancer and other intestinal issues. It lets your healthcare provider examine the lining of your large intestine (colon) for abnormalities, with a thin flexible tube called a colonoscope. The colonoscope has its own lens and light source and allows your healthcare provider to view images on a video monitor.
A colonoscopy is the only screening that not only detects, but prevents cancer. How? If your healthcare provider discovers any small growths—known as polyps—during the screening, they are removed since these growths could eventually become cancerous.