Don't miss your moment
If you are 45 or older and have not yet been screened for colorectal cancer, you could miss a moment you’ve been waiting for. Colorectal cancer is America’s second-leading cause of cancer death among men and women combined. But screening helps. If everyone was screened as recommended, the colorectal cancer death rate could drop by up to 70 percent.
To schedule your appointment, call our Colon Screening Navigator.
Colorectal cancer screening tests
- A colonoscopy is the best test. It both detects cancer and prevents it by removing precancerous polyps.
- Other tests can be done easily in your own home. They can tell you more about whether you need a colonoscopy.
- To learn more about all of the different tests available, visit the Colorectal Cancer Screening: The Right Test for Your Risk page from the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.
What is a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is an outpatient procedure in which the inside of the large intestine (colon and rectum) is examined. A colonoscopy is commonly used to evaluate gastrointestinal symptoms, such as rectal and intestinal bleeding, abdominal pain, or changes in bowel habits.
Colonoscopies are also performed in individuals without symptoms to check for colorectal polyps or cancer. A screening colonoscopy is recommended for anyone 50 years of age and older. For anyone with parents, siblings or children with a history of colorectal cancer or polyps, a screening colonoscopy may be recommended earlier than age 50.
Why your colonoscopy can't wait
Early colorectal cancer often has no symptoms, which is why screening is so important. In honor of National Colon Cancer Awareness Month, we’d like to encourage you to resume your regular screenings, especially your colonoscopy.
What to expect
Learn about what to expect during a colonoscopy by reading the Colonoscopy Procedure Overview (PDF).
What is the somewhat uncomfortable event your spouse will insist you go to about every 10 years? Here’s a hint: It’s not your high school reunion. It’s way more important than that. It’s your colonoscopy.
Preparing for your colonoscopy
There are several different preps that can be used prior to a colonoscopy. Your provider/nurse navigator has selected a specific one based on your individual needs. Please follow the prep that you have been instructed to use prior to your colonoscopy.
- Miralax Bowel Prep Instructions (PDF)
- Miralax Split Bowel Prep Instructions (PDF)
- Nulytely Bowel Prep Instructions (PDF)
- Nulytely Split Bowel Prep Instructions (PDF)
- Miralax-Dulcolax Clear Liquid Diet Sheet (PDF)
- Nulytely Clear Liquid Diet Sheet (PDF)
Tips for prepping
If you are 50 or older, you are likely hearing a lot about how important colorectal cancer screening is. Everything you are hearing is true. While there are several tests available, none is better than a colonoscopy, which actually screens for cancer and helps prevent it.
Frequently asked questions
I don't have a doctor. How do I find one?
Visit Find a Provider for a complete list of physicians and advanced practice providers at SVMC.
I need help understanding colorectal cancer screening. Who can I call?
You can call our Colon Screening Navigator.