March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, bringing attention to the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States, behind only lung cancer.
Colorectal cancer is also one of the most preventable forms of cancer and a colonoscopy is the primary method of detection. It allows for not only early detection but, also treatment, as your doctor can remove polyps during the procedure that can otherwise turn into cancer.
The endoscopy team at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center receives a lot of similar questions about the when, the how and ‘the what’ of colonoscopies.
We’ve gathered this information into three helpful FAQs (click each title to read more):
- When to screen and schedule your colonoscopy
- What do expect before, during and after your procedure
- Understanding your colonoscopy results
While it's tempting to put off your colonoscopy, the benefits far outweigh the temporary discomfort. If you're due for a colonoscopy, don't wait. Talk to your doctor about scheduling one today.