Why Would My Gastroenterologist Decide to Preform a Screening Colonoscopy?
At Blair Gastroenterology Associates, we want to stress the importance of getting screened for colon cancer. More than 1 in 3 adults, aged 50 and older, are not being screened as recommended for colorectal cancer. At Blair Gastroenterology Associates we want to reach and screen at least 80% of people by the year 2018. This would prevent more than 20,000 colorectal deaths per year! Please make it your New Year’s Resolution to be screened for colorectal cancer. It could save your life!
As part of this screening attempt we offer a procedure called a Screening Colonoscopy. This procedure is used for patients who may not be experiencing any symptoms and differs from a diagnostic colonoscopy procedure. This test is used when you have a family history of colorectal cancer, a personal history of adenomatous polyps, colorectal cancer, or inflammatory bowel disease. A screening colonoscopy allows the gastroenterologist to look inside the entire large intestine to detect inflamed tissue, abnormal growth, and ulcers. This procedure also allows the doctor to biopsy tissue if needed and to remove polyps. A screening colonoscopy is the best way to diagnose serious issues or complications.