Colonoscopy

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A colonoscopy is a safe and effective procedure that allows your doctor to examine the inside of your colon (large intestine). It is one of the best tools we have to prevent and detect colorectal cancer early, when it is most treatable.

During the procedure, a thin, flexible tube with a camera (called a colonoscope) is gently guided through the colon. This allows your doctor to look for abnormalities such as polyps—small growths that can develop into cancer over time. If polyps are found, they can often be removed during the same procedure.

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers, but it is also highly preventable. Colonoscopy is unique because it doesn’t just detect cancer—it can actually stop cancer before it starts by removing precancerous polyps.

Most adults should begin screening at age 45, or earlier if they have risk factors such as family history.

• Before the procedure: You’ll follow a bowel prep to clean out your colon so your doctor can see clearly. We use the most patient friendly and effective prep according to up to date research.
• During the procedure: You’ll be comfortably sedated, and most patients feel little to no discomfort.
• Afterward: You’ll go home the same day and return to completely normal activity the very next day.

There are several screening options available, including stool-based tests like Cologuard. While these tests can be convenient, it’s important to understand how they differ from colonoscopy:

Colonoscopy:

• Examines the entire colon directly
• Detects and removes polyps in the same procedure
• Done every 10 years for average-risk patients (if normal)
• Considered the gold standard for colorectal cancer screening

Cologuard (and similar tests):

• Done at home using a stool sample
• Detects only 42% of precancerous polyps, and 90% of cancers
• Must be repeated more frequently (every 1–3 years)
• A positive result requires a follow-up colonoscopy
• Not appropriate for patients with risk factors like polyp history, family history of cancer etc.

Bottom line: Stool tests are a good option for some patients, but colonoscopy remains the most comprehensive and preventive screening method.

• Prevents cancer by removing precancerous polyps
• Detects cancer early, when treatment is most effective
• Long-lasting results (up to 10 years for most patients)
• Safe, routine, and widely recommended

For more information about the importance of colorectal cancer screening, visit:

• U.S. Preventive Services Task Force – Screening guidelines and recommendations
• American Cancer Society – Colon cancer prevention and screening information
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Public health information and patient education for colon cancer