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Screening is an important part of colon health and cancer prevention. And colonoscopy is the gold standard used to identify precancerous and cancerous colorectal polyps.
Colorectal cancer can happen to anyone. At VCU Health, we offer colonoscopies to screen for colorectal cancer — a cancer that is most common among people 45 and older. It is also the third-most common cancer in adults in the United States.
Over the past few decades, more people are preventing and surviving colorectal cancer. That’s because preventive screenings can detect cancer early when it’s easier to treat. During these screenings, doctors can remove precancerous growths (polyps) before they turn into cancer. And because colorectal cancer cells grow slowly, symptoms may not be present until the cancer is more advanced.
There are several reasons to stay on top of scheduled colorectal screenings. If you have any of the following risk factors, talk to your doctor about colonoscopy screening.
The most common form of colorectal screening is a colonoscopy. A colonoscopy uses a lighted, flexible tube, called a colonoscope, to view the colon's full lining. During the screening, the doctor looks at the interior walls of the rectum and the entire colon. If necessary, samples of tissue are collected for closer examination, and we remove polyps.
A colonoscopy is also used as a diagnostic tool when the results of another screening test are positive.
Your provider will discuss the steps you need to take to prepare for your colonoscopy and what to expect after the procedure.
Although colonoscopies are safe, there are some risks. A “simple” colonoscopy is associated with the lowest risk.
A polypectomy (removal of polyps inside the colon) is a routine procedure usually performed at the same time as a colonoscopy. The removal of polyps can increase the risk of bleeding and perforation (tear or hole) in the colon.
A colonoscopy with a polypectomy still has few associated risks.
Trust Your Doctor to Weigh the Risks and Benefits
It’s important to trust your doctor to weigh the risks and benefits of colonoscopy, particularly when they are associated with polypectomy. Despite the risks, a colonoscopy can detect cancer early and save lives.
Our experts provide colonoscopy screening services at our downtown Richmond location. Gastroenterology appointments can be at our Stony Point 9109 location or downtown.
Your VCU Health specialist or primary care doctor can help you schedule a colonoscopy. A referral is required.
If you’re experiencing digestive or gastrointestinal issues, call the Center for Digestive Health at (804) 828-4060.
At VCU Health, our team brings together the expertise and compassionate care you deserve. Our team includes nationally recognized gastroenterologists (doctors trained in problems of the GI tract) and highly specialized colon and rectal surgeons. And should you ever need world-class cancer care, we collaborate with the experts at VCU Massey Cancer Center, the region’s only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center.
As a leading academic health system, you’ll find the resources and advanced technology needed to accurately identify and treat gastrointestinal conditions. And we offer state-of-the-art endoscopy suites to ensure your comfort.
More information about screening for colon cancer and recommended guidelines are found on the VCU Massey Cancer Center’s website.