A colonoscopy is a vital, life-saving screening and diagnostic tool that allows a doctor to examine the inside of your large intestine (colon and rectum) using a flexible tube with a camera. It is considered the gold standard for preventing and detecting colorectal cancer, as it allows doctors to find and remove pre-cancerous growths (polyps) before they turn into cancer.Here are the primary reasons you should consider a colonoscopy:1. Routine Preventative ScreeningExperts recommend that routine screening colonoscopies begin at age 45 for individuals at average risk. If nothing unusual is found, you typically only need this preventive screening every 10 years.2. Family History of Colon CancerIf you have a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) who has had colorectal cancer, you are at a higher risk. Doctors generally advise getting your first screening colonoscopy 10 years before the age your family member was diagnosed, or at age 45—whichever comes first.3. Investigating Unexplained SymptomsA diagnostic colonoscopy is used to investigate persistent, unexplained stomach or bowel issues. You should consider consulting a doctor about a colonoscopy if you experience:Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool.Persistent changes in bowel habits (e.g., long-lasting diarrhea, constipation, or unexplained narrowing of the stool).Chronic abdominal pain, cramping, or bloating.Unexplained weight loss (losing 3 or more kilograms unexpectedly).Iron-deficiency anemia or ongoing, severe fatigue.4. Monitoring Existing ConditionsIf you have been diagnosed with an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, routine colonoscopies are essential. They help your gastroenterologist monitor inflammation, check the effectiveness of treatments, and screen for dysplasia (abnormal cells that can develop into cancer).What to ExpectWhile the preparation (clearing your bowel the day before) can be a bit uncomfortable, the procedure itself is quick, typically taking only about 25 minutes. Patients are usually sedated, meaning the procedure is completely painless

A colonoscopy is an examination of the inside of your large intestine (colon). It’s helpful for diagnosing gastrointestinal diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease and colon cancer. It can also help treat and prevent colon cancer. Healthcare providers recommend routine colonoscopies for middle-aged and older adults to screen for cancer.

What is a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is an examination of the inside of your large intestine, which includes your colon, rectum and anus. It’s a type of endoscopy, which means that it uses an endoscope, a flexible tube with a lighted camera on the end that’s inserted into your body. There are different types of endoscopes for different parts of your body. In a colonoscopy, the colonoscope passes through your anus and rectum into your colon. Along the way, it sends pictures of the inside of your large intestine to a screen.

Why would I need a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy may be preventive, diagnostic or therapeutic — and often, it’s all of these. Your healthcare provider may advise you to have a colonoscopy for routine cancer screening if you’re at a statistically higher risk of developing colorectal cancer. Since anyone can have colorectal cancer at any time without warning or symptoms, screening is the best way to stay ahead of it. While screening, your gastroenterologist may also remove suspicious tissues for testing and prevention.

Screening
Most people will have their first colonoscopy for routine cancer screening. Statistically, your risk of developing colorectal cancer goes up as you age, which is why the American Cancer Society recommends regular screening at least by the age of 45. You may not have any reason to suspect you’re at risk of colorectal cancer, but when your statistical risk goes up, it’s best to check anyway. Colorectal cancer often doesn’t cause any symptoms until it’s too advanced to treat effectively.

You may be due for a colonoscopy for cancer screening if you:

Are older than 45 and haven’t had one.
Haven’t had one for 10 years.
Had tissue removed during your last colonoscopy.
Have a family history of colorectal cancer.
Have an inherited disease that raises your risk, such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or Lynch syndrome.
Have inflammatory bowel disease.
If you have a primary care provider, or if you’re seeing a doctor for a checkup or treatment, ask them if you’re due for your routine colonoscopy screening. Based on your health history, they’ll be able to tell you when you should have one and refer you to someone who can give you one. In the United States, medical insurers and Medicare must cover routine colonoscopy screenings under the Patient Prevention and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). These screenings save thousands of lives each year.

Diagnosis
Some people have colonoscopies because they have symptoms that a healthcare provider must investigate more closely. A colonoscopy provides a better view of your large intestine than other types of imaging tests that don’t go inside your body. Your doctor might need this better view to figure out what’s causing your symptoms or confirm their suspicions. Sometimes they might need to take a tissue sample (biopsy) to examine under a microscope in order to make a diagnosis. They can do that during the colonoscopy.

Symptoms that might require a colonoscopy include:

Unexplained rectal bleeding or discharge.
Unexplained changes in your bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation or incontinence.
Unexplained persistent abdominal pain.
Unexplained weight loss or lack of weight gain in children.
Diseases or conditions that a colonoscopy might help diagnose include:

Chronic colitis, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease.
Intestinal ischemia and ischemic colitis.
Diverticulosis and diverticulitis.
Ulcers and perforations.
Large bowel obstructions.
Colorectal polyps and colorectal cancer.
Treatment
One benefit of endoscopic procedures like colonoscopy is that if your endoscopist finds a problem during the procedure, they might be able to treat it at the same time. Endoscopists receive training to perform minor procedures with special tools that they pass through the endoscope. During a colonoscopy, they commonly remove any polyps (abnormal growths) that they find and test them for cancer. Removing polyps also prevents possible cancer from developing or spreading.

During your colonoscopy, the endoscopist can:

Remove polyps (polypectomy).
Seal wounds.
Inject medications.
Remove blockages.
Place stents.
Treat tissues with laser therapy.
Test Details
How do I prep for my colonoscopy?
Colonoscopy prep is very important to the success of the procedure. Your healthcare provider will give you detailed instructions to follow in the days leading up to your appointment. The purpose of these preparations is to make sure your large intestine is as clean and clear as possible for your colonoscopy. If it isn’t, your endoscopist might not be able to see what they need to see. They might have to reschedule your colonoscopy, and you might have to redo these preparations another time.

You’ll begin by adjusting your diet a few days ahead of your colonoscopy. Typically, you’ll eat a low-fiber diet for two or three days, followed by a clear liquid diet on the last day. The afternoon or evening before your colonoscopy, you’ll take a laxative formula to purge your bowels (by pooping everything out). You’ll spend the next several hours in and out of the bathroom a lot. Make yourself comfortable, then get a good night’s sleep. Your colonoscopy will usually occur the following morning.

What happens on the day of the appointment?
You’ll need to bring someone with you to your appointment who can drive you home. Since it takes a full day for the anesthesia to completely wear off, most healthcare places won’t check you in for your colonoscopy unless you have a responsible driver with you. (They’ll be hanging out for about two hours altogether.) After check-in, a healthcare provider will lead you to a room where you can change into a hospital gown. A nurse will install an IV line into your arm to begin delivering sedatives and pain medication to your bloodstream.

Do you stay awake for a colonoscopy?
You can have general anesthesia (a controlled loss of consciousness, like sleeping) or you can have conscious sedation (a depression of awareness — you might fall asleep or stay awake, but in either case, you probably won’t remember it much afterward). You’ll discuss your options for anesthesia with a healthcare provider in advance, so you’ll know what to expect on the day of the procedure. Your healthcare provider will help you select the right type for your body and your needs.

Is colonoscopy a painful procedure?
With sedation, you shouldn’t feel pain inside your colon. This is true even if a provider removes tissue or performs laser therapy inside your colon. But you might feel a little gas pain or pressure when the colonoscope advances into your colon. That’s because the colonoscope actually blows carbon dioxide gas into your colon to inflate it for better viewing. It’s usually not too noticeable once the inflation part is done. You’ll be lying comfortably in the fetal position on a hospital bed, and you may even sleep.

Who performs a colonoscopy?
A gastroenterologist or a colorectal surgeon performs most colonoscopies. Both are specialists in gastrointestinal diseases and receive special training in endoscopic procedures involving your gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Endoscopic procedures like colonoscopy aren’t just for looking inside your body — they can also be interactive. Endoscopists can take tissue samples and perform minor interventions through the endoscope. Their certification qualifies them to perform these procedures and to interpret the results.

How does the colonoscopy procedure work?
The colonoscope is a small, lighted camera attached to the end of a long, thin, flexible tube called a catheter.
Your provider inserts the colonoscope through your anus and slowly advances it through your colon to the end, where it meets your small intestine.
While advancing, the catheter pumps air into your colon to inflate it. The camera transmits video of the inside of your colon to a monitor.
Your provider will watch the monitor for anything abnormal. When they reach the end of your colon, they’ll bring the colonoscope back out the same way, watching a second time.
How long does a colonoscopy take?
It takes about 15 minutes to advance the colonoscope to the end of your large intestine and another 15 minutes to bring it back out the way it came. In this way, the doctor examines your entire large intestine twice. If they find something in the process that they need to remove or treat, this will add extra time. Colon polyps are common: they turn up in about 30% of routine colonoscopies. Although most are benign, it’s standard procedure to remove them on sight. This may add another 15 minutes.

What happens after the procedure?
You’ll spend the first hour after your procedure recovering in the healthcare center. This is so you have time to wake up from the anesthesia. Your healthcare team will continue to monitor your vital signs and watch for any signs of complications. When you’re awake, your gastroenterologist will go over what they found during the exam and any procedures they performed. You’ll also get a formal report by mail or electronically. If they took a tissue sample for biopsy, you’ll get those test results a little later.

How long does it take to recover from a colonoscopy?
It takes about 24 hours for the anesthesia to wear off completely. That’s why healthcare providers recommend you don’t drive, operate equipment or make important decisions until the next day. But you’ll feel more like yourself every hour. You might feel some gas pain, bloating or nausea in the first hour or two, but this should pass quickly. You can return to your normal diet as soon as you feel ready. If the provider removed the tissue, you might have some light rectal bleeding for a few days afterward.

What are the potential risks or complications of colonoscopy?
Risks and complications are rare but possible. They include:

Injury to your colon wall, such as a tear.
Uncontrolled bleeding from tissue removal.
Infection requiring antibiotics.
Abnormal reactions to the anesthesia.
Results and Follow-Up
When will I know the results of my colonoscopy?
Most results you’ll know right away. Your provider will be able to tell you what they found, what procedures they performed and if they succeeded. If they removed tissue for biopsy, they won’t have those results for another few days to weeks. Removing tissue and sending it to a lab doesn’t always mean that your gastroenterologist suspects cancer. It could just be a precaution, or they could be looking for something else, like microscopic colitis. They’ll let you know what they expect to find.

What are abnormal results from a colonoscopy?
Abnormal results may include:

Uncontrolled gastrointestinal bleeding.
Benign, precancerous or cancerous polyps.
Inflammation (colitis) from infection, ischemia or autoimmune disease.
Chronic tissue damage, such as scarring.
Obstruction or narrowing of your intestine (stenosis).
Abnormal pouches in your intestinal lining (diverticulosis).
Your doctor will discuss your results with you and what they mean.

Additional Common Questions


Learn why you should get a colonoscopy.
Are there alternative ways of screening for colon cancer?
There are several other screening tests for colorectal cancer. Colonoscopy is the most sensitive test, meaning it’s the most likely to detect early cancer or precancerous conditions. Detecting potential cancer as early as possible is important to preventing and treating it effectively. Colonoscopy is also the only screening test for colorectal cancer that’s both diagnostic and therapeutic at the same time. When doctors find suspicious tissue during a colonoscopy, they can remove it during the same procedure.

Alternative screening tests for colon cancer include:

Fecal occult blood tests. These tests analyze a sample of your poop to look for signs of cancer. Different variations look for evidence of blood in your poop using different methods. One type also analyzes the DNA in your poop to look for changes that might indicate cancer. You must repeat these tests every one to three years. If you get a positive result from a fecal occult blood test, the next step will be to follow up with a colonoscopy and a tissue biopsy.
Virtual colonoscopy. A virtual colonoscopy is a type of CT scan that produces highly-detailed, 3D images of your colon from a CT scanning bed. It’s a “virtual” colonoscopy because it looks inside your colon virtually, with images taken from outside of your body. You have to prep for a virtual colonoscopy the same way you do for a traditional colonoscopy to make sure your bowels are clear. But you won’t need anesthesia. Healthcare providers recommend getting this test every five years.
What are the advantages of colonoscopy for cancer screening over the alternatives?
Advantages of a traditional colonoscopy include:

Higher sensitivity. It’s more likely to detect cancerous changes sooner.
All-in-one diagnosis, treatment and prevention. If other tests come back positive, you’ll have to follow them with a traditional colonoscopy anyway to formally diagnose and treat cancer.
You only need it every 10 years. If your results are normal, you won’t have to retest for a while.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
A colonoscopy can be diagnostic, therapeutic and preventive all at the same time. It may seem like a lot to go through if you don’t have a disease, but if you do, this makes an important difference. Colorectal cancer is the third-leading cause of cancer death in the United States. It’s preventable, but only when detected early. Colonoscopies allow healthcare providers to detect and treat cancer before it develops or spreads and before you have symptoms. If you’re clear, you’ll only need one every 10 years.

8 Reasons to Get a Colonoscopy (It’s Really Not a Big Deal)
Published on March 30, 2018

Steward Futch, MD, MS of UNC Specialty Care at Goldsboro.

In fact, 5 to 6 percent of people will develop colon cancer in their lifetimes, according to Steward Futch, MD, MS of UNC Specialty Care at Goldsboro. It’s the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States after lung cancer, when counting cancers that affect both men and women.

“But there is good news,” Dr. Futch says. “Colonoscopy makes colorectal cancer one of the few cancers we can actually prevent.”

A colonoscopy is an examination of the inside lining of the colon, which is where colon cancer starts. During a colonoscopy, a long, narrow, flexible tube with an HD camera at the end is used to evaluate the rectum and colon.

Colonoscopies can detect conditions like colitis, inflammatory bowel disease and diverticulosis. But mainly, doctors are looking for precancerous or cancerous colon polyps, which are growths on the inside of the colon’s lining. If the doctors spot polyps, they can quickly and painlessly remove them during the same colonoscopy.

Talk to your doctor about having a colonoscopy if you are any of the following:

Older than 45
Older than 40 with a family history of colon cancer or colon polyps
You’ve noticed a change in your bowel movements or have bleeding or pain, regardless of your age
There’s no reason to avoid this painless, quick and potentially lifesaving procedure.

Here’s why having a colonoscopy isn’t that bad:

1. A colonoscopy is painless.
Yes, the tube goes exactly where you think it does. But you won’t feel a thing.

Colonoscopies employ monitored anesthesia. You’ll be given medicine through an IV that will keep you comfortable, virtually pain-free and unaware of the procedure.

A nurse anesthetist will administer the medicine and watch you intently—monitoring your heart, breathing and blood pressure—for the duration of the procedure, so the doctors can focus on the colonoscopy.

The only soreness you might feel after would be associated with your IV site, but that typically doesn’t hurt, Dr. Futch says.

You might pass gas with some startling force for a couple of hours after the procedure. This is normal and not painful.

2. A colonoscopy is quick.
It’s recommended you take the whole day off work to recover from sedation, but going and getting a colonoscopy only takes about half a morning. (The actual procedure can take as little as 15 minutes.)

At UNC Specialty Care at Goldsboro if you are healthy and without bowel symptoms, you don’t have to have a consultation and then go through the process of scheduling a separate appointment. You can meet your doctor and have the procedure in the same short session.

3. Forget what you’ve heard. Colonoscopy prep is NOT. THAT. BAD.
People like to talk about the unpleasantness of colonoscopy preparation. But over the past 15 years, colonoscopy preparation has been improved and refined. The truth is, it’s not that bad anymore.

Doctors use split prep, which means you drink a prescribed laxative that will cause diarrhea for a couple of hours, starting around 7 p.m. You should be done around 10 p.m. and able to get some rest. Then, in the morning, you take the second half of the laxative. You’ll need to visit the bathroom with some urgency, but it shouldn’t be as intense as the previous evening, since the majority of your fecal matter will have been flushed out.

Then—boom—you’re done and ready for the quick procedure. Plus, you’ve perhaps finished a crossword puzzle or two? Good job!

But seriously, proper preparation is the patient’s end of the bargain. After all, this procedure might save your life. It’s the most effective when prep is done as directed.

4. You’re not necessarily too young for a colonoscopy.
Guidelines call for colorectal cancer screening starting at age 50 if you’re at average risk. If you’re at increased risk, based on family history of colon cancer or other factors, you’ll want to start earlier, typically at age 40. No matter your age, if you have blood in your stool, weakness and fatigue, or a major change in your bowel habits, talk to your doctor. Recent research from the American Cancer Society found a sharp rise in colorectal cancer rates among adults in their 20s and 30s; in fact, a person born in 1990 has double the risk of colon cancer and four times the risk of rectal cancer compared with people born in 1950.

5. There are alternatives, but colonoscopies remain the most effective, long-term option for colon cancer screening.
There are screening methods besides a colonoscopy, but none comes with as many advantages. For one, a colonoscopy usually needs to be repeated only every 10 years if results are normal. Some other methods, like flexible sigmoidoscopy (a similar procedure that looks at only part of the colon and rectum), must be done every five years. A double-contrast barium enema involves putting barium in the rectum and taking X-rays; it, too, must be done every five years. With these and other alternatives, if a polyp or suspicious mass is found, a colonoscopy will be ordered to follow up. Long story short: Might as well start with the colonoscopy.

And watch out for those at-home colon cancer screening stool tests. Some people are tempted to try fecal immunochemical tests (FITs) because they think the colonoscopy prep and procedure are far worse than they actually are.

At-home colon cancer detection tests are highly sensitive for cancer only when you already have the disease. Colonoscopies detect precancerous lesions and prevent them from growing into anything detectable by a home stool test.

If you do a FIT test or fecal DNA (Cologuard®) test (which can be pricey and require repeat testing after the first one), and it detects cancer, you’ll need a colonoscopy anyway.

6. Colonoscopies can find more conditions than just cancer, and you might feel better as a result.
Colonoscopies also detect the inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis. Both are inflammatory diseases of the intestines. Identifying them early helps reduce the long-term damage they can do, including scarring and bleeding in the colon, malnourishment, pain and intestinal blockages that require surgery. These diseases also might increase risk of colorectal cancer.

Diverticulosis is a condition that arises when pockets form on the inside lining of the colon. Finding diverticulosis early allows doctors to make suggestions for simple dietary changes, such as eating more fiber, that can prevent the condition from ever causing painful symptoms. If left unaddressed, the pockets can become inflamed and infected, leading to painful complications.

7. Having a colonoscopy is not as embarrassing as you think.
The procedure is typically done in the endoscopy unit at Wayne UNC Health Care and all the patients are there for gastrointestinal care. In other words, everyone is in the same boat.

Yes, everyone is there to have something done that may feel embarrassing. But you can relax—this is regular, everyday work for the clinical staff that will be taking care of you. So don’t worry.

Also, the anesthesia will help you relax, it will be over before you know it, and did we mention it is a virtually painless procedure?

8. A colonoscopy could save your life.
Last but not least, right? Colonoscopies save lives. Lots of them.

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine suggests that the removal of cancer-causing polyps during a colonoscopy reduces the chance of death from colorectal cancer by 53 percent.

Ultimately, a quick, easy and safe colonoscopy just might save your life.

Yes, a colonoscopy is widely considered worth it because it is the only screening method that can both detect and remove precancerous growths (polyps) in a single procedure, effectively preventing colorectal cancer before it starts.Key BenefitsCancer Prevention: Doctors can identify and remove precancerous polyps during the procedure, stopping them from developing into cancer over time.Early Detection: If cancer is found, catching it at an early stage makes it much easier and far more successful to treat.Symptom Investigation: It is a vital diagnostic tool to determine the cause of gastrointestinal issues like unexplained abdominal pain, bleeding, or sudden weight loss.Risks and ConsiderationsThe Preparation: The most frequently cited drawback is the "bowel prep" the day before, which requires a liquid diet and strong laxatives to clear out your colon.Procedure Discomfort: The procedure itself is done under sedation, so you generally sleep through it and feel no pain, though you may experience mild bloating afterward.Rare Complications: Serious risks like bleeding or perforation are highly uncommon, occurring in fewer than 3 out of every 1,000 procedures.For most average-risk adults, healthcare guidelines recommend starting routine colonoscopies at age 45 or 50. The temporary inconvenience of the prep and the procedure is heavily outweighed by the significant reduction in bowel cancer risk.

Colonoscopy vs. Stool Testing: Which Screening Method is Right for You?
Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable cancers when detected early, yet it often goes unnoticed because it typically shows no symptoms in its early stages. This makes regular screenings essential, as they can identify potential issues before they develop into something more serious. By understanding the risks, symptoms, and available screening methods, you can take charge of your health and make informed decisions. Empower yourself with knowledge and take proactive steps today to safeguard your well-being for the future.

Understanding Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer can be hard to detect early because it usually doesn’t cause symptoms in its early stages. That’s why it’s so important to learn about the disease and the role of regular screenings. Colorectal cancer often starts as small, non-cancerous growths called polyps in the lining of the colon or rectum. Over time, some polyps can turn into cancer. As the cancer grows, it may spread to nearby tissues and organs. If left undetected or untreated, colorectal cancer can metastasize in the liver, lungs, or other vital organs, which makes it harder to treat and more dangerous.

In advanced stages, colorectal cancer can cause serious problems, such as blockages in the bowel, heavy bleeding, or holes in the colon. These issues require urgent medical care. The risks and complications of colorectal cancer highlight how important it is to catch it early. Regular screenings can find problems before they get worse, making treatment more effective and improving the chances of survival.

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Colonoscopy vs. Stool Testing
There are several options for colon health tests. The two most common are colonoscopy and stool tests.

Colonoscopy: A colonoscopy is a test to examine the colon and rectum. It lets doctors find issues like polyps, inflammation, or cancer.
Stool Testing: A stool test is a non-invasive way to screen for colorectal cancer, infections, and other gastrointestinal issues. It analyzes a stool sample for abnormal cells or substances.
Pros and Cons of Colonoscopies
A colonoscopy is a common test for colorectal issues. Like any procedure, it has pros and cons. Below are some key advantages and disadvantages of a colonoscopy:

Advantages of a Colonoscopy
Thorough Examination: Provides a complete view of the entire colon, allowing doctors to detect abnormalities like polyps, tumors, or inflammation.
Early Detection of Cancer: Can help identify colorectal cancer or precancerous growths in their early stages, when treatment is most effective.
Immediate Treatment: If necessary, polyps can be removed or biopsies taken during the procedure, preventing the need for a follow-up.
Accurate Diagnosis: Offers a high level of accuracy in diagnosing issues, leading to better treatment plans and outcomes.
Quick Recovery Time: Most patients experience a quick recovery time and can resume normal activities within a day or two after the procedure, with minimal downtime and discomfort.
Disadvantages of a Colonoscopy
Invasive Procedure: Involves inserting a tube into the colon, which can be uncomfortable or distressing for some individuals.
Preparation Required: Requires a day of bowel preparation, including fasting and taking laxatives, which can be inconvenient and unpleasant.
Risk of Complications: Though rare, colonoscopies can have risks such as bleeding or perforation of the colon.
Cost and Accessibility: It can be more expensive than other screening methods, and not all insurance plans cover it fully.
Sedation Required: Most people require sedation during the procedure, which means they will need someone to drive them home afterward.
Pros and Cons of Stool Testing
Stool testing is a non-invasive and convenient screening method for colorectal health, but it has both advantages and drawbacks. Here are some of the main advantages and disadvantages of stool testing:

Advantages of Stool Testing
Non-Invasive: Stool tests don’t require any procedure or sedation, making them a more comfortable and less stressful option.
Convenience: This can be done at home, allowing patients to collect their samples privately and send them to the lab without needing a clinic visit.
No Preparation Needed: Unlike colonoscopies, stool tests typically don’t require special bowel preparation or fasting.
Early Detection: Some stool tests can detect signs of colorectal cancer or precancerous polyps early, especially when done regularly.
Lower Cost: Generally, it is less expensive than a colonoscopy, making it more accessible for individuals without insurance or those who may not be able to afford more invasive screenings.
Disadvantages of Stool Testing
Less Comprehensive: Stool tests may not detect all colorectal issues or identify problems in the entire colon, limiting their effectiveness compared to colonoscopy.
Follow-up Required: If a stool test indicates abnormalities, a colonoscopy is often required for further evaluation and diagnosis.
Accuracy Concerns: False positives or negatives can occur, leading to unnecessary follow-ups or missed diagnoses.
Limited Scope: Stool tests typically focus on detecting blood or genetic markers, which may not identify other issues like inflammation or benign growths.
Frequency of Testing: Stool tests may need to be done more frequently than colonoscopies, requiring regular monitoring to ensure ongoing colorectal health.

Who Should Consider Each Screening Method?
Colonoscopy is recommended for those at average risk, starting at age 45. It provides a complete exam of the entire colon. Those with a family history of colorectal cancer, certain genetic conditions, or polyps may need earlier or more frequent screenings. Stool testing is often recommended for those at average risk. It is a non-invasive option for regular screening. It’s also a suitable choice for those who may have difficulty with the preparation or discomfort associated with colonoscopy. Stool tests may be an alternative to a colonoscopy.

Five Myths About Colonoscopies
Are you worried about your first colonoscopy? Don’t be. Screening for colorectal cancer by having a colonoscopy is easy, it’s generally covered by insurance, and it’s not painful to have done. Below we address some of the common myths that give the “gold standard” of colorectal cancer screenings a bad name.

Myth #1: Colonoscopies are Only for Old People
Colorectal cancer is on the rise for younger people—so much so that in 2021, the American Cancer Society lowered the recommended testing age to begin at age 45 instead of 50 for people with an average risk. If you’re younger than 45 and have an increased risk of colorectal cancer, you may need earlier screening and/or additional testing.

All adults need to take colorectal cancer seriously. For Americans under age 50, colorectal cancer is the #1 cause of cancer death in men and #2 in women, and the numbers are only expected to rise.

Myth #2: Colonoscopy Prep is Horrible
You may have heard complaints about the preparation process of cleaning out your colon, aka bowel prep. Prep usually begins 24-48 hours prior to your procedure and requires you to take a laxative medication and drink a clear liquid diet. While prep is inconvenient and somewhat unpleasant, the prep medication options are now a heck of a lot better than they used to be.

Bowel Prep Medication Options
Between 20-25% of all colonoscopies don’t have adequate bowel preparation. As a result, more bowel prep options have been developed for patients who have trouble tolerating large volumes of liquid laxatives. Patients should talk to their GI about their concerns and if any of these newer options may work for them:

Powder formulas with additional flavor options
Low-volume doses
Split-dose regimens
Tablets
All in all, prep is a small price to pay for never having to deal with colon cancer. Don’t sell yourself short by skimping on your prep.

Myth #3: The Colonoscopy Procedure is Uncomfortable
During most colonoscopies, the patient is put under sedation. From the patient’s perspective, the procedure is just a nap. You won’t feel uncomfortable because you won’t be feeling much of anything! Many people find the procedure to be the easiest part of the process. Couldn’t we all use a good nap?

Myth #4: Colonoscopy is the Only Way to Screen for Colorectal Cancer
If you are apprehensive about getting a colonoscopy, you don’t have to get one. While a colonoscopy is considered the best way to screen for colorectal cancer, there are other ways to screen for it. When you come to Singing River Digestive Health, you’ll do a medical interview that includes your risk factors and family history, and your doctor will provide you with options for a screening regimen.

Other ways to screen for colorectal cancer without a colonoscopy include:

Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

This test involves using a flexible tube to examine the lower part of the colon.

A sigmoidoscopy is less invasive, faster to complete, and has lower risk of complications. Sedation is usually not required, either, so you can drive yourself home!

Blood Testing

Blood tests can detect certain biomarkers associated with colorectal cancer, such as carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA).

The blood test can also detect any liver dysfunction, and your complete blood count (CBC) can help determine if you’re anemic.

Stool Testing

There are three types of stool tests (FIT, gFOBT, and stool DNA) approved for colorectal cancer screening. You can collect your stool sample at home using a kit and bring it to the doctor.

These tests detect the presence of blood or abnormal DNA, which may indicate polyps or colorectal cancer.

CT-Based Screening

Also known as a “virtual colonoscopy,” this screening uses CT scans to create detailed images of the colon.

While less invasive than a traditional colonoscopy, the test still requires bowel prep. If polyps are found, a follow-up colonoscopy is needed to remove them.

Myth #5: Colonoscopies are Only Necessary if You Have Symptoms
When it comes to health issues, some problems make a lot of noise. But others, like colorectal cancer, prefer to stay quiet—until they become a serious concern. Colon cancer is often referred to as a silent killer because it can develop without any noticeable symptoms during the initial stages.

Colonoscopies prevent cancer by removing pre-cancerous polyps before they even have the chance to develop into cancer. Because, while colorectal cancer is a silent killer, with proper screening, it is also one of the most preventable cancers.

Get Screened for Colorectal Cancer
Talk to your family and friends about their risk for colorectal cancer and encourage them to make an appointment with a gastroenterologist to begin the process.