What is a Colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is an exam that allows a doctor to see and closely inspect the inside of the entire colon for signs of cancer or polyps (small growths that can eventually become cancerous if not removed). The doctor uses a slender, flexible, hollow lighted tube about the thickness of a finger and will remove polyps, if found. The exam itself takes 15-30 minutes and the patient is sedated.

WHY IS THE TEST SO IMPORTANT?

Removing polyps prevents colorectal cancer from ever starting!
Cancers found in an early stage are more easily treated. Nine out of ten people whose colon cancer is discovered early will be alive five years later.

Early Detection = Curable, Treatable, Beatable!

Early Detection Screening detects pre-cancerous polyps and removes them
If a mother, father, brother, sister are diagnosed with colorectal cancer. “Early Warning” screening should begin at least 10 years before the age they were diagnosed.
- For example diagnosed at 48; screening should begin at 38

Early Detection/Prevention

Why are these tests so important?

Removing polyps prevents colorectal cancer from ever starting!
That is why we say it is “the cancer no one has to have”
Cancers found in an early stage are more easily treated. Nine out of ten people whose colon cancer is discovered early (before it breaks through the colon wall) will be alive five years later.
That is why screening is so important! Remember, colorectal cancer in Lucas County is found in later stages such as stage III or IV when it has spread outside the colon wall and/or spread to other organs.
Once colorectal cancer has spread additional treatment is needed such as surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiation.