COLONOSCOPY

Colonoscopy is a common and very safe procedure that examines the lining of the lower intestinal tract called the colon or large intestine.  When used as a colon cancer prevention method, colonoscopy can find potentially precancerous growths called polyps and remove them before they turn into cancer. This explains why colonoscopy is an invaluable tool that helps your doctor answer important questions about your digestive health and prevent certain diseases like colon cancer.

Colonoscopy may be recommended as a screening test for colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Annually, approximately 150,000 new cases of colorectal cancer are diagnosed in the United States and 50,000 people die from the disease. It has been estimated that increased awareness and screening would save at least 30,000 lives each year. Colonoscopy may also be recommended by your doctor to evaluate for symptoms such as bleeding and chronic diarrhea.