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Colonoscopy and colon cancer screenings save lives

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Colonoscopy and colon cancer screenings

Take charge of your colon health – get a colonoscopy

Colon cancer (also called colorectal cancer) is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States – but it’s one of the few cancers that can be prevented. Early colon cancer stages often have no symptoms, which is why getting a regular screening test, what’s commonly referred to as a colonoscopy, is so important.


What is a colonoscopy?

Colonoscopies are the best way to detect colon cancer early. The procedure is quite simple and typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, and you’ll be able to return to normal activities the following day.

A colonoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure in which your doctor will screen your rectum and colon for colon polyps or cancer. During a colonoscopy procedure, your doctor will use a long, flexible tube called a colonoscope. This device has a tiny video camera at the tip which allows your colonoscopy doctor to view the inside of your entire colon. The procedure pinpoints changes or abnormalities in the colon and rectum and is an opportunity for your doctor to remove any abnormal tissue, such as polyps.

Tissue samples, or biopsies, can be taken during your colonoscopy to determine if any changes or abnormality your doctor finds are cancerous. In many cases, tumors discovered during colonoscopies can be removed before they develop into cancer.

If polyps are discovered during your procedure, your doctor and care team will work with you to determine next steps. Our team can help manage even complex colon cancer polyps, often times without surgery.

While anesthesia is an option for the procedure, some patients decide to pass on receiving it. Forgoing anesthesia may shorten your procedure time by up to half, but the option is always yours. If you do choose to take anesthesia, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you to and from your appointment.

Colonoscopy prep made easy
Geisinger offers a free mobile app called “Easy Prep: Colonoscopy,” which is designed to help users prepare for their colonoscopy procedure. The app offers a personalized schedule with instructions, helpful hints and tips, and a shopping list of items you'll need for your clear liquid diet, as well as items to stay away from.

Schedule a colonoscopy

If you would like to schedule a colonoscopy, are interested in genetic testing to determine your risk factors or need an appointment with one of our colorectal cancer surgeons, call us at 800-275-6401.
Schedule a colonoscopy

Colonoscopies treat these conditions

Colon polyps

The best way to screen for colon cancer is by undergoing a colonoscopy. Colonoscopies are minimally-invasive screening procedures, meaning you can go home typically within a few hours afterwards. These procedures can help to detect early signs of colon cancer including colorectal polyps, which can turn into cancer if not removed.
Colon cancer

Colorectal cancer develops when abnormal cells begin to form in the colon or rectum. Often times, colon cancer doesn’t show symptoms until it has reached the advanced stages, which is why it’s important to undergo the recommended screenings – even if you aren’t experiencing symptoms. The best way to screen for colon cancer is by undergoing a colonoscopy. Colonoscopies are minimally-invasive screening procedures, meaning you can go home typically within a few hours afterwards. These procedures can help to detect early signs of colon cancer including colorectal polyps, which can turn into cancer if not removed.

Additional colon cancer screening

Cologuard

This take-at-home test collects a small sample of still to be tested for malignant DNA. While the Cologuard test is considered effective at detecting cancer and large, non-cancerous polyps, a traditional colonoscopy is recommended as it can also eliminate abnormal polyp growth.

Do I need a colon cancer screening or colorectal cancer screening? 

The American Cancer Society recommends all men and women with an average risk of colorectal cancer begin regular screenings at age 45.

To fall into the ‘average risk’ category for developing colon or colorectal cancer you:

  • Do not need a personal history of colon polyps or colorectal cancer
  • Do not need to have a family history of colorectal cancer
  • Do not need a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis)
  • Do not need to have a genetic pre-disposition to developing cancers of the colon, such as Lynch syndrome

If you have a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer, you may need to begin screenings at an earlier age and get tested more frequently.

Colon cancer prevention and care at Geisinger

At Geisinger, our skilled team of cancer specialists includes surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists and radiologists who come together to develop a personalized treatment plan around you.

Our patients have access to comprehensive cancer and support services that include:

  • Highly trained specialists
  • The latest colon cancer treatment 
  • Advanced detection and minimally invasive treatments
  • Leading-edge clinical trials
  • Radiation therapy
  • Chemotherapy 
  • Genetic testing and counseling programs
  • Nurse navigator
  • Pain management support
  • Emotional support

If cancer polyps are discovered during your colonoscopy, surgery may not always be needed - even for complex colon cancer polyps.

From earliest screenings to advanced surgical techniques, Geisinger is redefining the way colon cancer and colorectal cancer is treated. Prevention and detection are crucial because colon cancer often has no symptoms in its early stages. We recommend colonoscopies beginning at age 45, but if colon cancer runs in your family, you should start your colonoscopy screenings sooner. When colorectal cancer is caught at the earliest stage, the 5-year survival rate is over 90 percent. 

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