Colonoscopy
Colorectal cancer can happen to anyone, and screening is an important part of preventing it. A colonoscopy is an effective and safe part of cancer prevention and your overall colon health.
At VCU Health, we give you the compassionate care you deserve before, during and after your colonoscopy. As a leading academic health system, are offer advanced treatment at our state-of-the-art endoscopy suites. Your colonoscopy care team includes nationally recognized gastroenterologists and highly specialized colon and rectal surgeons.
We also collaborate with the expert colorectal cancer treatment team at VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, which means you have access to world-class colon cancer care should you ever need it.
Schedule a colonoscopy
A referral from your primary care provider or another specialist is required for a colonoscopy. Your provider can help you schedule a colonoscopy at our downtown or Stony Point locations.
To schedule a colonoscopy downtown, providers can call 804-828-8508. For appointments at VCU Health's Stony Point location, call 804-327-6547. Referral documentation can be faxed to 804-828-5304.
How colonoscopies prevent colon cancer
A colonoscopy is the best method for detecting and preventing colon cancer. During a colonoscopy, doctors can get a better look at your colon and remove colon polyps before they can develop into cancer. A colonoscopy can also be used as a diagnostic tool when the results of another screening test are positive.
Talk to your doctor about colonoscopy screening if you:
- Have a family history of colorectal cancer. If you have family history, you can get screened before you are 45. For example, if a first-degree relative was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 40, you should get screened 10 years before they were diagnosed, when you are 30 years old.
- Are at least 45 years old and have an average cancer risk, even if you don't have symptoms.
- Experience gastrointestinal problems or have a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease.
- Experience blood in your stool, changes in bowel habits or have pain when using the bathroom.
- Are African-American or have a personal history of polyps. Both these factors put you at higher risk for colon cancer.
Preparing for your colonoscopy
Your provider will discuss the steps you need to take to prepare for your colonoscopy, such as how to clear your digestive tract. This includes not eating any solid foods and only drinking clear beverages the day before your procedure.
On the day of your colonoscopy, be sure to bring someone with you to your appointment so they can take you home.
During your colonoscopy
Your provider will use a lighted, flexible tube, called a colonoscope, to look at the lining of your colon. The procedure only takes 30 minutes to an hour, and you should not feel any pain.
Your doctor may also perform a polypectomy at the same time as your colonoscopy. This is a routine procedure that removes polyps inside your colon. A polypectomy can increase the risk of bleeding or tearing in your colon, so be sure to discuss the risks and benefits with your provider before your procedure.
After your colonoscopy
Your recovery in the hospital should be no longer than an hour and can sometimes be as short as 20 minutes. During your recovery, you may be sleepy and you might experience gas, mild cramps or blood in your stool.
Make an appointment
Providers can call 804-828-8508 to schedule a colonoscopy downtown.
For appointments at VCU Health's Stony Point location, providers can call 804-327-6547.