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Colonoscopy FAQs

Patient speaks to doctor before his first colonoscopy
 

When should you get your first colonoscopy?

Beaumont recommends everyone at average risk for colon cancer get a colonoscopy at age 45. The good news is that most polyps grow slowly, so after a polyp free colonoscopy, most people won’t need another one for five to 10 years.


Some people may need a colonoscopy or other non-invasive screening even earlier.

 


What to Expect Before

Things to help your colonoscopy go as smoothly as possible.

Colonoscopy Preparation
https://www.beaumont.org/health-wellness/blogs/tips-for-a-successful-colonoscopy-prep
Colonoscopy Preparation
 
 


What to Expect During

From the moment you check-in to the recovery and results.

Colonoscopy Procedure
https://www.beaumont.org/services/oncology/colorectal-cancer/what-to-expect-before-and-after-a-colonoscopy
Colonoscopy Procedure
 
 


What to Expect After

If polyps are detected and a follow-up appointment is necessary.

Colonoscopy Recovery
https://www.beaumont.org/health-wellness/blogs/heres-what-to-expect-after-a-colonoscopy
Colonoscopy Recovery
 

Why should you have a colonoscopy?

There are a few reasons to have a colonoscopy, and they vary depending on factors such as your age, your family history, your general health, and other risks.


Colonoscopies are done for three basic reasons:


  1. To screen for colorectal cancer:

    • Everyone should have a colonoscopy screening by age 45. If you’re approaching your 45th birthday, talk to your doctor about getting a referral for a colonoscopy. If you have a family history of colon cancer or have certain risk factors, you may need to have a colonoscopy earlier.

  2. To look for the cause of intestinal symptoms, such as pain, rectal bleeding or blood in the stool, and bowel irregularities like constipation or diarrhea.

  3. To look for and remove new polyps.


Also, for general detection or prevention of:

There are other reasons doctors perform colonoscopies. Talk to your doctor about when to schedule your exam.

Additional Colonoscopy FAQs

The procedure itself only takes about 30 minutes. In order to keep you comfortable, you will be given anesthesia to put you to sleep. You will not feel or remember the procedure when you wake up.

After a polyp free colonoscopy, most people won’t need another one for five to 10 years.

During a colonoscopy, your doctor is looking for small polyps, which are harmless growths that can develop into cancer over time. When caught early, colon cancer is highly treatable.

Gastroenterologists perform more colonoscopies than any other specialty and gastroenterologists specializes in gastrointestinal diseases with special training in colonoscopy.

No. During a colonoscopy, you are given anesthesia to make you more comfortable. You will need to arrange for someone to drive you home from the procedure. You should not drive until the following day.

During a colonoscopy, your doctor is looking for small polyps, which are harmless growths that can develop into cancer over time. If your colon is not clean, the doctor could miss these small growths.

Schedule a Colonoscopy

Now that you know a bit about what a colonoscopy is and why you should have one, it may be time to schedule yours. Most insurance companies require you to have a referral, so talk to your doctor about giving you a referral right away. You should be able to get one from your general practitioner or gastroenterologist.


If you’re over 45 and haven’t had a screening colonoscopy, it’s time to take your health into your own hands.


Reduce your risks of colorectal cancer. Call 800-633-7377 to get a colonoscopy referral by phone.

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