Colonoscopies are an important part of maintaining optimum health. A referral is needed to schedule a colonoscopy at TMC, so talk to your primary care provider about when it's time to get a colonoscopy.

Schedule an appointment with your primary care provider today!

Don’t let embarrassment kill you

Colon cancer is one of the most treatable cancers, but it is also the second most common lethal cancer. That “embarrassing”, but quick, mildly uncomfortable colonoscopy could save your life.

Screening begins at 45 or 50 or ?

The American Cancer Society recently lowered its recommended age for beginning screening colonoscopies to 45 years down from 50. While most people who get colon cancer are over 50 years old, and the rate of colon cancer has increased in younger adults in the past decade.

Everyone is at risk

Colon cancer can affect anyone, even those who otherwise are healthy and have no history of colon cancer. Regular screening is key to preventing colorectal cancer deaths by finding it early. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that adults age 76 to 85 years old ask their doctor if they should be screened.

You may need to be tested earlier than 45, or more often than other people, if:

• You or a close relative has had colorectal polyps or colorectal cancer.

• You have an inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.

• You have a genetic syndrome such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (Lynch syndrome).

• If you have any of the symptoms listed below, you should discuss them with your primary care provider.

Ugh, I can’t stand the prep!

You may have had, or heard about having to drink a gallon of awful tasting liquid to clean out your colon prior to the exam. No longer, there have been advances in bowel prep and the preparations are more efficient so you drink less and the drink tastes better.

I don’t have symptoms why bother?

Polyps or early colon cancer don’t necessarily cause symptoms. A colonoscopy can be the first step in preventing colon cancer so pre-cancerous polyps or cancer cells can be identified and removed. Like all cancers, the earlier you catch it, the better chance you have of a recovery.

If you have symptoms, they may include:

• A change in bowel habits.

• Blood in or on your stool (bowel movement).

• Diarrhea, constipation or feeling that the bowel does not empty all the way.

• Abdominal pain, aches or cramps that don’t go away.

• Losing weight and you don’t know why.

Talk to your primary care provider about when it's time to get a colonoscopy.

Don't have a primary care provider? Find one here.

Need more information? Learn about the services offered at TMC here.