Colon Cancer Screening

• Polyps can be found during colonoscopy.
• Polyps can often be removed before they become cancerous.
• Early detection dramatically improves outcomes.
• Colonoscopy can both prevent and detect colon cancer.
  
  

• Colon cancer is increasing in younger adults
• Cases in individuals under age 50 have risen significantly over the last several decades
• Younger patients are often diagnosed at later stages
• Earlier screening saves lives

Who Should Be Screened?

• Age 45 for both men and women

• Family history of colon cancer
• Family history of colon polyps
• Personal history of colon polyps
• Crohn's disease
• Ulcerative colitis
• Iron deficiency anemia
• Genetic syndromes such as Lynch Syndrome or Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP)
• Prior colorectal cancer

• Rectal bleeding
• Blood in the stool
• New constipation
• Change in bowel habits
• Narrow or pencil-thin stools
• Abdominal pain
• Bloating
• Unexplained weight loss
• Iron deficiency anemia
• Fatigue
• Persistent back pain
• Night sweats or fevers

• A thin flexible camera examines the entire colon
• Polyps can be identified and removed
• Biopsies can be taken if needed
• Cancer can often be detected at an earlier, more treatable stage

• Colonoscopies are performed with anesthesia
• A board-certified anesthesiologist provides sedation
• Patients are asleep and comfortable during the procedure
• Most patients remember little or nothing about the exam
  
  

• Most patients sleep comfortably through the procedure
• The vast majority report little to no discomfort
• Most patients are surprised by how easy the experience is
  
  

• No office consultation may be required beforehand
• Your medical history is reviewed
• Screening can be scheduled directly
• Saves time and avoids unnecessary office visits

• How many colonoscopies does the physician perform each year?
• How long have they been performing colonoscopy?
• What is their complication rate?
• What is their adenoma detection rate (ADR)?
• Who administers the anesthesia?
• Is a board-certified anesthesiologist present?
• Are procedures performed in a hospital setting or outpatient center?

• Bleeding
• Perforation (tear in the colon)
• Medication or anesthesia reactions
• Infection (rare)

Where Is My Colonoscopy Performed?

• In a hospital-based endoscopy suite
• In an ambulatory surgery center
• In an outpatient endoscopy center

• Where will my procedure be performed?
• What does my insurance prefer?
• What are my expected costs at each location?

Is Colonoscopy Covered by Insurance?

• Your insurance plan
• Whether the procedure is screening or diagnostic
• Your personal risk factors

• Insurance benefits can be verified before scheduling
• Expected costs can be reviewed in advance
• Our staff can help determine the most cost-effective location based on your insurance plan
  
  

Can Colon Cancer Still Occur After a Colonoscopy?

• Bleeding
• Changes in bowel habits
• Weight loss
• Iron deficiency anemia
• New gastrointestinal symptoms

• Rates of colon cancer in adults under 50 have increased significantly over the past few decades
• Many younger patients are diagnosed at more advanced stages
• Symptoms in younger individuals are often mistaken for benign conditions like hemorrhoids or IBS
• About half of colorectal cancer cases are now diagnosed in people under age 66

• Completely clean out the colon
• Allow clear visualization of the intestinal lining
• Improve detection of polyps and early cancers

• Frequent bowel movements begin after starting the prep
• Stool becomes progressively clearer until it is liquid
• You must remain near a restroom during this time
• Staying hydrated is extremely important

• Prescription or over-the-counter solution
• Taken in divided doses
• Cleanses the colon by causing bowel movements

• Half the solution taken the evening before
• Second half taken the morning of the procedure
• Considered the most effective method

• Smaller fluid amounts than traditional prep
• Often better tolerated
• Still very effective when taken correctly

• Capsule or tablet-based bowel cleansing option
• Taken with clear liquids
• Preferred by some patients who cannot tolerate large liquid volumes

• Hear from colon cancer survivors treated at Hunterdon Digestive Health Specialists
• Personal journeys of diagnosis, treatment, recovery, and hope.
  
  

• Colon cancer is highly treatable when detected early.
• Routine screening can find and remove precancerous polyps before they become cancer.
• Many people have no symptoms in the early stages.
• Screening is one of the most effective ways to prevent colon cancer.

• Address the common fears and misconceptions surrounding colonoscopy.
• Today's bowel preparation is more manageable and comfortable than in the past.
• The procedure is safe, quick, and performed with sedation for patient comfort.
• Don't let embarrassment or anxiety delay potentially life-saving care.

• Meet Dr. Sinha, a trusted gastroenterologist dedicated to providing exceptional digestive care.
• Learn about Dr. Sinha's experience, clinical expertise, and patient-first philosophy.
• Build confidence by getting to know the team dedicated to your digestive health.

• Our providers are committed to compassionate, patient-centered care every step of the way.
• We strive to make colon cancer screening as comfortable, accessible, and stress-free as possible.
• Our team is here to answer questions, ease concerns, and guide patients through the screening process.

Questions Every Patient Should Ask Before Colon Cancer Screening