A colonoscopy screening is a screening conducted in order to check for changes in the colon and rectum such as cancer, polyps, and irritated or swollen tissues. A lengthy and flexible tube is inserted into the rectum during a colonoscopy with a small video camera attached to the end of the tube so that the doctor has a visual of the inside of the whole colon. If it is required during the course of a colonoscopy, abnormal tissue can be removed. Additionally, during a colonoscopy, tissue samples may be taken and examined.

Doctors recommend colonoscopies for a variety of reasons. Sometimes they are used to examine intestinal symptoms and signs, potentially in response to chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, rectal pain, or other intestinal symptoms. Other times, it is used to screen for colon cancer.

How frequently colon cancer scans occur is dependent on cancer risk factors. A doctor may also check for polyps to mitigate the risk of colon cancer. A colonoscopy can be used to treat tissue, remove an object from the colon, or place a stent. Colonoscopy screenings can be used as a regularly scheduled preventative measure or used to diagnose or sometimes even treat a certain illness or problem.

The American Cancer Society recommends individuals aged 45 or older keep regular appointments for colonoscopy screening to check for cancer. Depending on an individual’s particular health risks, these screenings will be recommended with varying degrees of frequency.

For instance, patients at a higher risk for colon cancer may be advised to undergo colonoscopy screening more often than those at a lower risk. Potential reasons for elevated risk of colon cancer include having a sibling, parent, or child who has had colon cancer; a patient having previously had precancerous polyps or colon cancer; a history of inflammatory bowel disease; or carrying a gene for colon cancer syndrome.

Patients should speak to their healthcare provider to determine what frequency of colonoscopies is right for them and to raise any concerns regarding potential colon cancer risk factors. It is important to discuss this with your healthcare provider as early cancer detection can help save lives.

Virtual colonoscopies are now available. A virtual colonoscopy is a less invasive procedure than traditional screening and uses an X-ray of the colon to look for potential irregularities. These options may be beneficial for patients who are not candidates for a regular colonoscopy screening or are on blood-thinning medication. A virtual colonoscopy is fast and easy, there is no anesthesia required, and the procedure only takes between 10 and 15 minutes.

A colonoscopy screening is a routine preventative health service done to monitor for signs of cancer. A diagnostic colonoscopy is conducted in response to a condition of concern, including symptoms, family history, prior conditions, or in response to a previous test. A colonoscopy screening is not considered diagnostic when there are no symptoms, the patient is not younger than 50, has no prior unusual tests, no family history of colon cancer, and no history of colorectal issues.

Patients in the New York, NY area who are seeking out either a colonoscopy screening or a diagnostic test can find what they are looking for at Avant Medical Group. Avant Medical Group is a primary care center capable of meeting all colonoscopy-related needs. Whether a patient wants to seek preventative measures, attend cautionary routine appointments to ensure health, or screen for a diagnosis of a symptomatic issue, Avant Medical Group offers the treatment they need. Give us a call or request an online appointment for a colonoscopy screening. We are conveniently located at 233 Broadway Suite 2750 New York, NY 10279. We serve patients from New York NY, Brooklyn NY, Manhattan NY, Harlem NY, and Greenwich Village NY.