Colon Cancer Screening

SAVES Your Life!

Colonoscopy is the gold standard for preventing colon cancer.

Are You….

  • Over the age of 50?
  • Suffering from intestinal symptoms?
  • Related to anyone who has or had
  • Colorectal Cancer?

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Our gastroenterology specialists offer leading-edge care, diagnosis and treatment for all kinds of digestive diseases and conditions. We use today’s most advanced and most effective procedures to diagnose and correct many GI conditions and diseases.

Colonoscopy

What is colonoscopy?

Colonoscopy is the visual examination of the lining of the large intestine (colon) and rectum. The results obtained from colonoscopy can be useful in preventing, diagnosing and treating a variety of gastrointestinal diseases.

Colonoscopy is the key to colon cancer prevention. Colorectal cancer is the second-most deadly of all cancers, killing more Americans (over 60,000) each year than breast or prostate cancers. Yet colorectal cancer is among the most preventable and curable of all cancers, if it is found and treated early enough. We recommend that adults have a colonoscopy at age 50, and another every five to ten years thereafter based on the findings from the first colonoscopy, family history and other factors.

Sadly, too many patients put off colon cancer screening because they are afraid of the discomfort or what might be found. They don’t understand that, thanks to today’s anesthesia, there is virtually no discomfort. Most polyps we find and remove are benign or precancerous. Early removal of these polyps can prevent cancer.
Colonoscopy is the “gold standard” for colon cancer prevention.

Colonoscopy is the “gold standard” because it allows us to diagnose and prevent colon cancer with one procedure. Even if you are under 50 years of age and you are experiencing any of these symptoms, our doctors may recommend a colonoscopy, especially if more conservative, nonoperative treatments have failed.

  • A change in bowel habits
  • Either diarrhea or constipation
  • Blood in the stool (bright red, black or very dark)
  • Narrowed stools (about the thickness of a pencil)
  • Bloating, fullness or abdominal cramps
  • A feeling that the bowel does not empty completely
  • Frequent gas pains
  • Weight loss without dieting
  • Continuing fatigue
  • Unexplained anemia

How do I prepare for colonoscopy?

The colon must be thoroughly cleansed in order for the exam to be accurate and complete. Your physician will provide you with information about cleansing instructions. Tell your physician if you have any medical or cardiac conditions or allergies to any medications.
If you take heart or blood pressure medication, please take at least 2 (two) hours prior to the procedure with a tiny sip of water.

Certain medications (ie: Coumadin, aspirin, anti-inflammatory medications and vitamin E) can increase the likelihood of bleeding during/after colonoscopy and often need to be discontinued for one week prior to the examination. Please follow your instructions from your physician.

Please provide your doctor with a complete medication list and contact the office 2 weeks prior to your procedure if you have questions regarding the use of these medications. Transportation arrangements must be made (family member or friend) to drive you home after the procedure, and you should not drive a car for at least twelve hours after the administration of sedation.

Upper Endoscopy

What is upper endoscopy?

Upper endoscopy, also known as EGD, or esophago-gastro-duodenoscopy, allows us to directly examine the upper part of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract – the esophagus or swallowing tube, the stomach and the first part of the small intestine (duodenum). Our physicians have special training in diagnostic and treatment endoscopy procedures to examine and treat the upper GI system in search of abnormal bleeding, irritation, inflammation, tumors and ulcerations.

Why would you need upper endoscopy?

Upper endoscopy may be indicated and performed for many reasons:

  • Unexplained upper abdominal discomfort (abdominal pain, nausea)
  • GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease (also known as heartburn and acid reflux disease)
  • Persistent vomiting, nausea
  • Removal of foreign body or swallowed object
  • Assess healing or progress on polyps, tumors and ulcers
  • Upper GI bleeding (vomiting blood or blood in stool from the upper GI tract). Bleeding can be treated during the endoscopy procedure.
  • Swallowing disorders; food/liquids getting stuck in the esophagus during swallowing. This may be caused by a narrowing (stricture) or tumor. The stricture may be dilated with special balloons or dilation tubes during the endoscopy procedure.
  • Abnormal findings on CT, upper GI X-ray or MRI

How do I prepare for upper endoscopy?

You should not eat or drink anything for 8 hours prior to the procedure.

Tell your physician if you have any medical or cardiac conditions or allergies to any medications.

If you take heart or blood pressure medication, please take at least 2 (two) hours prior to the procedure with a tiny sip of water.

Certain medications (ie: Coumadin, aspirin, anti-inflammatory medications and vitamin E) can increase the likelihood of bleeding during/after endoscopy and often need to be discontinued for one week prior to the examination. Please follow your instructions from your physician.

Please provide your doctor with a complete medication list and contact the office 2 weeks prior to your procedure if you have questions regarding the use of these medications. Transportation arrangements must be made (family member or friend) to drive you home after the procedure, and you should not drive a car for at least twelve hours after the administration of sedation.