At age 50, your doctor will recommend that you begin screening for colon and rectal cancer. If you have risk factors that make you more likely to develop colon cancer, your doctor may recommend that you start screening before age 50 and more frequently. Tests done as part of screening may detect cancer at an early stage and increase the chance of the effectiveness of treatment.
If you are older than age 75, speak with your doctor about whether or not screening is necessary.
Risk factors for colorectal cancer may increase when:
- a member of your family has had polyps or cancer of the colon or rectum
- you have al history of inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease
- you are overweight
- you smoke cigarettes
What is Colonoscopy?
A Colonoscopy is a procedure in which a slender, flexible tube with a camera on the end is used to look inside your rectum and colon. During a colonoscopy, the doctor can see the tissue inside your rectum and colon and can identify, polyps and swollen or damaged tissue.
Why Should I have a Colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy can help a doctor find the cause of unexplained symptoms, such as
- changes in your bowel activity
- pain in your abdomen
- bleeding from your anus
- unexplained weight loss
Colorectal cancer screening tests may be covered by your health insurance policy without a deductible or co-pay. Check with your insurance plan to find out if you are covered and how often your insurance will authorize screening and colonoscopy.
Schedule an appointment with your doctor for more information and screening.
The Tony Thwaites Wing Endoscopy Centre should be your center of choice as cutting edge technology is used to provide comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic gastrointestinal endoscopy, including colonoscopy and gastroscopy.